Sporting Lisbon starlet on radar at both Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.
Read more Chelsea rumours.
In the past week, Chelsea and Manchester United have each been strongly linked with the signing of William Carvalho. Here, fanatix takes a look at his career so far and what makes him special.
On Sunday, the Mirror reported that Chelsea have tabled an opening offer of £11 million plus add-ons, and are willing to send a player on loan to the Portuguese side in order to secure the deal.
Manchester United have been linked with the 22 year-old in the Mirror today, with Sporting reportedly demanding £37m for their prize asset, and indeed have been the club most regularly reported to be interested.
Carvalho enjoyed an excellent campaign at Sporting last season, scoring four goals in 30 league appearances and earning a call up to his national squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He came on as a substitute during the 2-2 draw with USA, replacing the injured Andre Almeida, and played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Ghana.
He won a place at the tournament after a tremendous cameo against Sweden in the second leg of the qualification playoff, providing a calming influence in a high pressure situation – despite it being his international debut.
Carvalho’s mature mentality, excellent passing range and ball winning ability indicate a big future ahead, and the interest from Premier League giants backs up that impression.
While not the quickest over the ground, his intelligent positioning makes up for that apparent weakness, and his 6’2″ (187 cm) frame makes him a tough obstacle to dribble or pass around.
Sporting chiefs will reportedly allow the player to leave this summer providing their £37m asking price is met. Carvalho is expected to meet with club president Bruno De Carvalho early this week to discuss his future.
Chelsea have already added midfielder Cesc Fabregas and striker Diego Costa to their squad this summer, and are keen to make further additions as they look to improve on their third place finish in last year’s Premier League.
Carvalho, 22, is a product of the Lisbon youth academy, having been with the club since 2005 when he joined as a 13-year-old.
He made his first team debut in April 2011, coming on for the closing stages of a 1-1 draw with Vitoria, before spending the next six months on loan at third tier side Fatima.
Another loan spell followed at Belgian side Cercle Brugge, where he spent 18 months alongside several of his Sporting teammates who made the same move. Carvalho made 48 appearances and scored three goals during his time with Brugge, before returning to his parent club at the start of last season.
Lisbon have told Manchester United that if they want to sign Carvalho they will need to meet his £37 million buy-out clause in full.
The club have been forced to sell several of their biggest stars in recent years, due to a lengthy spell of financial insecurity, but with those days behind them, they’re not going to let their prize asset leave cheaply.
Sporting director Augusto Ignacio said: “It’s not like the old days when players left Sporting at any price.
“We are not concerned with William Carvalho because we have alternatives, who will want to play as well. The termination clause ensures a great deal to Sporting. I am very pleased with the negotiations.
“It is not easy to negotiate for players, you need to be very shrewd but Sporting have a president who knows how to negotiate with anyone and what is best for the club.”
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