Barcelona scouted Benfica talent Renato Sanches during the Portuguese side's clash against Rio Ave on Sunday.

Sanches has continually been linked with Manchester United, but the Red Devils may have competition for his signature if they try to push through a deal in the summer transfer window.




Benfica won the Portuguese top flight fixture 1-0 and Barcelona's scouts were watching on, according to Portuguese sports daily O Jogo.

The victory sees Benfica stay at the top of the Portuguese Primeira Liga with a two-point advantage over Sporting Lisbon, with just three games left to play in the season.
 


Sanches has clocked up 21 appearances in the Portuguese top flight for Benfica so far this season, scoring two goals and providing his team-mates with a single assist.

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The midfielder also turned out six times in the Champions League for the Lisbon giants.

Benfica, aware of Sanches' quality, have him locked down on a contract running until the summer of 2021, but it remains to be seen whether they can battle off suitors for his signature this coming summer.

Just 18 years old, Sanches has already won two senior Portugal caps.