Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha has reported that Old Trafford representatives were in Lisbon on Wednesday to watch Dias in action during Benfica’s 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Anderlecht.
Contact has been made between the two clubs about the possibility of completing a deal for less than the 22-year-old’s €66 million release clause.
However, Benfica sources have said that the Portugal international won’t be allowed to leave for a discounted fee.
The outlet claims that the Red Devils’ pursuit of the defender stems from Barcelona’s reported interest in Victor Lindelof, with a move for Dias likely to take place if the Swede is sold.
Benfica’s €66m valuation is within United’s financial capabilities, so the Portuguese club’s president Luis Felipe Vieira is keen to hand the centre-back a new contract that would raise the release clause to €88m.
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