Manchester United 'join race to sign Benfica ace Alex Grimaldo'

A general view of Old Trafford is seen prior to the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on April 4, 2015
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Benfica full-back Alex Grimaldo, recently linked with a move to Manchester City, is reportedly also wanted by rivals Manchester United.

Manchester United will rival neighbours Manchester City for the signing of Benfica left-back Alex Grimaldo, according to a report.

The Citizens have been heavily linked with the 21-year-old in recent months, although it was recently suggested that they have now cooled their interest in the youngster.

United scouts are said to have watched the former Barcelona star during Benfica's victory over Feirense on Sunday night, with Grimaldo registering in the 4-0 rout via a well-taken free kick in stoppage time.

The Daily Mail reports that the Red Devils will now make an approach for Grimaldo, who has a £51m buyout clause inserted into his contract but will likely be sold on for a lower price should a bid be made.

It is claimed that Juventus, Valencia and Middlesbrough also had scouts present in Lisbon to watch the defender, who joined the Portuguese club from Barcelona in a £1.25m deal at the start of the year.

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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City86111981119
2Arsenal86111991019
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs8530134918
4Liverpool85211810817
5Chelsea8512159616
6Everton8431126615
7Manchester UnitedMan Utd8422138514
8Southampton8332107312
9Crystal Palace8323119211
10Watford83231313011
11Bournemouth83231212011
12West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom824298110
13Leicester CityLeicester8224814-68
14Burnley8215612-67
15West Ham UnitedWest Ham8215917-87
16Hull City8215820-127
17Middlesbrough8134711-46
18Stoke CityStoke8134716-96
19Swansea CitySwansea8116815-74
20Sunderland8026615-92