By SIMON JONES
Published: 08:16 EST, 14 November 2025 | Updated: 08:16 EST, 14 November 2025
Manchester United are exploring a move for Sporting Lisbon defensive prospect Salvador Blopa.
The 18-year-old can play at right-back or right midfield and has already been likened to former club mate Nuno Mendes, now at Paris St Germain, with his effervescent running and reading of the game.
Blopa though is already 6ft 2ins tall and offers a more physical presence both in defence and going forward.
A regular in Sporting's B team, he was rewarded for his performances at that level with a promotion to the club's first team by head coach Rui Borges last month and scored two goals in a Portuguese League Cup win over Alverca.
Blopa was given man of the match and became the first Sporting youth player to score two goals on his senior debut since Fernando Peyroteo in 1938.
Other European sides, including Real Madrid, have been following his progress but United are understood to have taken initial soundings and held conversations regarding his availability.
Manchester United are exploring a move for Sporting Lisbon defensive prospect Salvador Blopa
United coach Ruben Amorim will be well aware of Blopa's potential. The former Sporting boss had also wanted Nuno Mendes
Amad Diallo is the current incumbent of the right wing-back slot at United but is still to convince on the defensive aspect of his game.
United coach Ruben Amorim will be well aware of Blopa's potential. The former Sporting boss had also wanted Nuno Mendes as one of his first United signings until PSG convinced the full-back to sign a new contract.
United are alert to what is moving in the market though are not expecting to be too busy in January. Their immediate focus is to strengthen their midfield with Casemiro's contract running out and Kobbie Mainoo desperate to find more regular game time.
They enquired about Brighton's Carlos Baleba and Conor Gallagher of Atletico Madrid last summer who remain on their radar.
They admire England pair Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson but are not considered favourites for those two with competition building.