Man Utd set to bid £35m for Benfica goal machine Carlos Vinicius in cut-price transfer due to coronavirus crisis

MANCHESTER UNITED are lining up a £35million raid for Benfica goal machine Carlos Vinicius, according to reports.

The Brazilian striker heads the Portuguese scoring charts with 15 goals in 19 Primeira Liga appearances - and 20 from 33 games in all competitions.

1

Vinicius, 25, has already attracted interest from Liverpool. 

A £15million buy from Napoli last summer, he is under contract until 2024.

Lisbon media now claim Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to sign the striker during the close season.

Vinicius has an £88m release clause in his contract.  However the inflated figure is seen as highly unrealistic with the transfer market hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

And Portuguese media reports say United are ready to test Benfica's resolve by offering £35m.

The Red Devils have already made one highly successful signing from Portugal this year in Bruno Fernandes.

MAN UTD NEWS LIVE: Follow for the latest United news

Latest Man Utd news

RUBE AWAY

'No second way' - Amorim reveals three major changes he wants from Man Utd flops

WELL I NEV-ER

Neville admits 'I got it wrong' and apologises to Rashford in Amorim chat

LOW MARKS

I played for Man Utd icon and ex-Prem boss - I was surprised he taught me nothing

IM A CELEBRITY

Amorim makes Man Utd transfer vow as boss stamps his authority on new club

The midfielder has become a huge fan favourite following his £67m arrival from Sporting in January.

Vinicius' career has taken off since joining Portuguese club Real SC in 2017 from Brazilian side Anapolis.

His 20 goals in 39 games won him a move to Napoli the following year, and successful loan spells with Rio Ave and Monaco convinced Portugal's top club Benfica to buy him last July.