Man Utd planning winter move for £70m Belgian star

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Sporting CP defender Zeno Debast ahead of a potential approach during the winter transfer window, according to Caught Offside.

The Red Devils were touted to land a new centre-back over the summer, but they could not find a suitable candidate. They are expected to explore a fresh solution when the transfer window reopens in January.

Debast has emerged as a potential target over the past few weeks and it is claimed that scouts have been sent to monitor the 21-year-old in action for the Portuguese champions over the next few months.

The Belgian is a central defender by trade, but can also operate from a holding midfield role. His versatility has caught United's radar and they could test Sporting's resolve with an offer worth £35 million.

Debast has a £70 million release clause in his contract and Sporting are likely to demand a higher fee from United to sanction his sale this winter.