Man Utd set for financial boost with help of Atletico

Manchester United could receive a financial boost with Atletico Madrid's interest in signing Benfica defender Alvaro Fernandez this summer.

Fernandez joined Benfica on a short-term loan from United in January last year. The Portuguese club triggered a £5 million buy clause to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

The 21-year-old has since developed into a key player for the Lisbon giants under manager Bruno Lage. Benfica are prepared to sanction his sale if his £42m release clause is triggered.

United have the option to buy him back for £17m, but the Red Devils seem to prefer a cash boost. If Fernandez were to join Atletico for £42m, United stand to receive 30 percent of the package.

In other words, they could secure close to £13m from the transfer. This would be a huge boost for the Red Devils, who are planning to bolster several positions ahead of next season.

The club need to recoup funds from player sales for a summer spending spree. A cash injection from Fernandez's move to Atletico should come in handy for co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.