Bayern Munich have secured the services of young midfielder Renato Sanches from Benfica.
The 18-year-old was widely expected to be bound for Manchester United, with talks between the Premier League club and Sanches's agent Jorge Mendes said to have reached an advanced stage.
However, the Bavarians have now swooped up on the blindside to capture the promising Portugal international's signature.
"Renato Sanches is a dynamic, technically-gifted midfielder who is strong in the tackle and will strengthen our squad," Bayern's chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge told the club's official website.
It is believed that Sanches will cost Bayern an initial £28m, although it is thought that a number of clauses in the deal could see that fee rise significantly.
Written by
Liam Apicella
Liam Apicella
