Real Madrid could be about to enter the race for Manchester United target Morten Hjulmand, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho is expected to be named as the new manager of the La Liga giants, as he prepares to return to the club for a second spell.
The ex-Chelsea and United manager is currently in charge at Benfica, who last weekend completed an invincible league campaign but only finished third in the Liga Portugal table.
Mourinho signed a two-year deal with the club when he joined back in September. However, he is poised to depart and join Madrid as they seek a permanent replacement for Xabi Alonso.
Alvaro Arbeloa has been in interim charge since Alonso was sacked and the ex-Spanish international has not done enough to convince the Madrid hierarchy to give him the job permanently.
Jose Mourinho wants Morten Hjulmand at Real Madrid
Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP playing against Bayern Munich
According to Foot Mercato, Mourinho wants Hjulmand to join him in the Spanish capital this summer. Hjulmand plays for Benfica's domestic rivals Sporting CP but is currently out with injury.
Reports from Portugal last week claimed Arsenal and Premier League rivals Man United were leading the race to sign Hjulmand.
The player has a release clause of £70m in his contract at the Portuguese club but the report from last week claimed an agreement had been reached to allow the player to leave this summer for just £35m.
While Arsenal and United were reportedly leading the chase, Mourinho's desire to sign the player could see Madrid hijack the move.
Manchester City and Tottenham have also been credited with an interest, while Atletico Madrid are another club named as suitors for the 26-year-old 'monster'.
Man Utd and Arsenal could benefit from midfield additions
Casemiro | Manchester United
United and Arsenal are both keen to secure additions for their respective midfields this summer. The Red Devils' need is more pressing as they seek a replacement for the departing Casemiro and somebody who would be an upgrade on Manuel Ugarte.
A number of Premier League players such as Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are all targets for the Red Devils while Shea Charles has also emerged as a bargain option after Southampton were ejected from the Championship play-off final.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have just been crowned Premier League champions but do need more depth in the middle of the park.
Martin Zubimendi's performances began to wane in the latter stages of the season and a fresh addition in central midfield would take the pressure off the Spaniard.
Arsenal are not expecting a huge summer after spending £250m just under 12 months ago but an affordable option like Hjulmand could prove an attractive move for the North London club.
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