United Competing with Dortmund for £20m Serbian Midfielder – Report

Benfica will have a major battle on their hands to keep hold of Nemanja Matic after it emerged that Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund are keen to sign the talented midfielder in January.

The Mirror reports that Benfica have been contacted by representatives from United and Dortmund and are now working hard to try and convince the Serbia international to reject the advances of the major European clubs.

Matic has excelled at Benfica and was instrumental in them reaching the Europa League final last season, while his performances in Champions League in the current campaign have once again brought him to the attention of a number of big clubs.

Manchester United manager David Moyes is desperate to finally add more depth to his midfield after missing out on Cesc Fabregas and Ander Herrera in the summer.

The reigning Premier League champions have struggled this season and currently find themselves down in ninth place after losing to Everton at Old Trafford. United lacked a defensive presence in midfield and there is a belief that Matic could fill that role.

The 25-year-old has previously spent some time in England as he was previously with Chelsea but the west London club never really gave him an opportunity to impress and he eventually moved to Benfica as part of the deal that saw David Luiz move to Stamford Bridge.

Matic made just two league appearances for Chelsea in his two years at the club but has since become one of the most instrumental players at Benfica who would reportedly look to demand at least £20m for his transfer.

While Manchester United may feel they can persuade Matic to leave the Portuguese side it will be far from easy to convince him to move if Dortmund are also competing for his signature.

The German club remain one of the most feared sides in Europe after reaching the Champions League final last season and once again impressing in the current campaign as victory over Marseille will see them through to the knockout stages of the competition.

United have already made it through to the last 16 but their league form is a real concern and Matic may well take this into consideration if an offer is accepted.