Reports in Portuguese newspaper, O Jogo suggest that Valencia are set to rival Manchester United for the signature of Benfica attacker, Eduardo Salvio this summer. Both clubs have been linked to the 24-year-old previously but with the transfer window not too far scouts have been making trips to Portugal to cast an eye over Salvio. The buy-out clause in his current Benfica deal is an eye-watering €60 million but both clubs would be hoping to do business at substantially less than this figure.

Salvio moved to Benfica from Atlético Madrid for €13.5 million in 2012 and last year was reportedly close to signing for Russian club, Zenit St Petersburg for a fee of €30 million. Although Benfica eventually vetoed such a deal it is understood that any interested parties would still be looking at a figure much nearer to this than his inflated clause prize.

Valencia are enjoying their best season in La Liga for many a year since their takeover by Singapore billionaire, Peter Lim and flush with his cash Los Che are looking to push on next season and mount an even bigger challenge to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.

O Jogo have reported that it is Valencia who are currently in pole position and have made contact with the player and his representatives over the move but Manchester United may well be bouyed by the suggestion that Salvio would prefer a move to England given he has already tasted Spanish football when he moved from Lanús to Atlético Madrid in 2009.

Something which may also aid United’s pursuit is the possible changes to the work permit rules for signing players from outside the EU. Salvio has not played sufficiently for Argentina to automatically warrant a work permit but if the proposed changes take effect, where by any player valued at more than £10 million would immediately qualify then Salvio would have no trouble.

A fast, skillful attacker who can operate out wide or centrally as a auxiliary striker, Salvio has scored 18 goals in 62 games for Benfica but is predominantly a creative force. Given he has been overlooked for an international call-up for a couple of years perhaps a move to Spain or England would enhance his chances of adding to his five Argentina caps.