Manchester United are monitoring Sporting Lisbon defender Zeno Debast ahead of the January transfer window, according to CaughtOffside.
The Red Devils are reportedly considering making a move for the Belgium international, having dispatched scouts in recent weeks to evaluate Debast’s game in detail.
United could test Sporting’s resolve with an initial bid worth around €40m (£35m) at the turn of the year and are among several Premier League clubs eyeing Debast.
Both Arsenal and Aston Villa are also believed to be admirers of the 21-year-old centre-back, who has an €80m (£69m) release clause.
Ruben Amorim knows Debast well from their time together at Sporting, having signed the defender from Anderlecht in the summer of 2024, and could play a crucial role in making the move happen.
Man United Eyeing Zeno Debast
Zeno Debast in action for Belgium
According to CaughtOffside, Amorim’s familiarity with Debast could prove decisive in United’s potential pursuit, although Sporting are in a strong negotiating position.
The Belgium international is under contract until the summer of 2029, while 15% of his next transfer fee is owed to his former club Anderlecht.
Debast also has no shortage of suitors among Champions League clubs, with Borussia Dortmund and Napoli believed to be in the mix.
There is a sense that the scale of interest could spark a bidding war in January, following Debast’s impressive first 12 months in Portugal.
The 21-year-old defender, praised as a ‘colossus’, made 48 appearances in all competitions in 2024/25, scoring two goals and providing four assists, while helping Sporting win the league and cup double.
Man United were one of the Premier League’s top-spending clubs this summer, having splashed out over £200m on reinforcements to Amorim’s squad.
The Red Devils welcomed a trio of forwards – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko – as well as goalkeeper Senne Lammens, who joined on transfer deadline day.
United were also busy with outgoings, offloading both Antony and Alejandro Garnacho on permanent deals, while Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund left on loan.
Andre Onana is set to become the latest departure this week, as he is close to joining Turkish side Trabzonspor on loan.
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