Manchester United reportedly scouted the in-form Samu Aghehowa against Boavista last weekend, with the Porto striker scoring twice in his side's 4-0 success in Portugal's top flight.
The 20-year-old has been in excellent form for his Portuguese club during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 18 goals and registering two assists in 21 appearances in all competitions.
Samu was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over the summer when it became clear that he would be leaving Atletico Madrid, but a proposed switch to Stamford Bridge ultimately fell through.
Porto won the race for his signature, and the forward has scored 13 times in 13 league appearances this season, in addition to finding the back of the net on five occasions in six outings in the Europa League.
Samu made his debut for Spain in the last international break, meanwhile, and he is expected to be an important player for his country moving forward, with the youngster regarded as one of the best young talents in European football.
© Imago
Man United 'scout Samu' as interest 'grows'
According to the Daily Mail, Man United had scouts in attendance for Porto's league clash with Boavista last weekend, and Samu scored twice in a 4-0 success for the home side.
Chelsea are believed to be considering reigniting their interest in Samu this year, but Man United are also seemingly genuine contenders, as the Red Devils look to address their problems in the final third of the field.
Porto are understandably determined to keep hold of the youngster and will allegedly point to his release clause of €100m (£83m) if clubs do come calling for him in 2025.
Omorodion admitted in October that it was "a very difficult summer" due to the uncertainty surrounding his future.
"The gold medal [with Spain U23 at the Olympics] wasn't so bitter," Samu told EFE. "But it was a very difficult summer. When I was in Madrid I had a very bad time. In the end, thank God, everything turned out well. If the Chelsea deal didn't work out it was for a reason and in the end everything turned out well.
"There - at Atletico Madrid - I trained separately. I didn't feel involved, not like a footballer. I trained and my head told me no. I had a bad time. I cried a lot at night... my family and my mother had a very bad time... In the end, thank God, everything came together quickly and I made the best decision.
"Nobody spoke to me and I didn't speak to anyone. I was still an Atletico Madrid player, I had to go to training and do my job. I already knew the club's position. These are things that happen in football and that make you gain experience and learn for the future."
© Imago
Could Man United move for Samu in January?
Man United will reportedly be unable to make any new signings in January without first making sales due to their complicated financial situation, with the Red Devils facing a difficult month in the market.
That said, even if the budget was there, a mid-season deal for Samu would be almost impossible due to the numbers involved.
It is much more likely that the Spain international will be on the move during this summer's transfer window, but Man United may have to pay a significant sum if they want the youngster to become their starting centre-forward during the 2025-26 campaign.
Matt Law
