Man Utd defender Alvaro Fernandez set to end Granada loan and join Benfica

Fri, 12 Jan, 2024 - 19:40

Simon Peach, PA Chief Football Writer

Manchester United left-back Alvaro Fernandez is set to return from a loan spell at Granada and join Benfica, the PA news agency understands.

Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho have already left Erik ten Hag’s side this month to join Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Dortmund respectively on loan for the rest of the season.

Hannibal Mejbri is set to join Sevilla on loan with a view to buy, having also attracted interest from Everton and Joe Hugill has joined Burton for the rest of the season fresh from extending his United contract.

Nottingham Forest v Manchester United – Premier League – City Ground — Daniel Gore (left) and Hannibal Mejbri could also be on their way out of United (Richard Sellers/PA)

Facundo Pellistri and Dan Gore are others attracting interest, while left-back Fernandez looks set to head to Portuguese giants Benfica.

The 20-year-old Spaniard joined from Real Madrid in 2020 but has yet to make a first-team appearance for United, spending last season on loan at Preston before joining Granada this term.

The process has now begun to recall Fernandez from the LaLiga outfit ahead of an expected move to Benfica, with the breakdown of the deal yet to be nailed down.

A potential €10 million permanent move has been mentioned in the Portuguese media and a loan with clauses has also been under discussion.