Manchester United will need as much cash as they can get this summer and were hoping to benefit from Alvaro Carreras' reported move to Real Madrid after negotiating a sell-on clause when they sold him to Benfica
Alvaro Carreras in action for Benfica
Manchester United could miss out on a windfall for Benfica's Alvaro Carreras with Real Madrid struggling to agree a deal
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Manchester United could miss out on a major windfall for ex-player Alvaro Carreras, with Real Madrid reportedly struggling to agree a deal for the Benfica star. Carreras joined United as a teenager in 2020 but moved to the Portuguese side last year.
And after a stellar year in the Primeira Liga, Carreras is now generating huge interest from Europe's elite and United were hoping to profit from a transfer.
When United sold the left-back to Benfica last summer for around £5m, club officials are said to have negotiated a sell-on clause of between 40 and 50 percent.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the United hierarchy could have been looking at a £20m windfall after reports Madrid were considering paying his £42m release clause.
United desperately need extra cash this summer amid their perilous financial situation. Ratcliffe previously revealed the club was on course to run out of money by Christmas and been undertaking a ruthless cost-cutting regime.
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Ticket prices have already been increased, with concessions slashed and free lunches in the canteen axed - and a number of exit are expected this summer as United look to get expensive players off the wage bill.
But a boost of cash injection from the Carreras deal now looks unlikely after Marca claimed Real Madrid are willing to risk losing out on him because they don't believe he's worth his release clause.
Benfica are reportedly refusing to budge on their £42m price for the 22-year-old but Madrid have told them they are prepared to walk away from the deal - despite previous claim that Xabi Alonso's men had already agreed a deal.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim was hoping for an extra cash injection, with United holding a sell-on clause for Carreras
The report adds that Benfica want as much money as possible because they know United are due for a big chunk of the transfer fee.
Madrid are eager to sign a new left-back for Alonso, with Ferland Mendy and Fran Garcia their only recognised options in the position. Instead Alonso could move for his ex-Leverkusen star Alex Grimaldo.
Carreras started 30 games for Benfica in the Portuguese top flight, scoring four and assisting three in all competitions.
Any money United can receive for his signature will massively help them bolster their own squad. Ruben Amorim's side have already signed Wolves star Matheus Cunha while a deal for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo appears to be close.
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