Manchester United Rumors: Red Devils Chasing Brazilian Club Captain, Report Says

FC Famalicao's captain Gustavo Assuncao is now on the radar of Manchester United and some of the biggest clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, a report says.

Gaining a reputation as a notable midfielder in Portugal, Famalicao's Assuncao has emerged as a prospect for Premier League giant Manchester United, Spanish outlet AS reported, citing unnamed sources.

Aside from the Red Devils, La Liga side Sevilla and French club Nice are also interested in the Brazilian, with the former having come close to sealing a deal in the past, per the report. Sevilla sporting director Monchi is said to have managed to intensify negotiations with Famalicao last summer, but talks eventually fell apart.

In the English top-flight, United is reportedly competing with Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers to become the frontrunner for Assuncao’s signature in the coming transfer windows.

The midfield sensation is currently tied with Famalicao until 2024, but AS speculated that the Portuguese club may reconsider and let Assuncao go “next winter or at the end of the season.” However, the report also noted that the youngster’s price tag is expected to reach the region of €25 million ($30.3 million).

Assuncao is currently averaging 1.9 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.1 fouls, and 1.4 clearances per game in Liga NOS, along with an impressive 88.5% passing accuracy, WhoScored reported.

In terms of passing, Assuncao has been described by the reputable stat-oriented soccer site as “strong.” His defensive tenacity is also impressive and he is regarded by the site as a player who “likes to tackle.”

The former Atletico Madrid youngster is not yet a veteran in the sport but has already impressed in his 46 appearances in the Primeira Liga. Prior to becoming a star in Portugal, Assuncao had a short stint with Atletico and was called up by the Spanish side’s manager Diego Simeone for a League match against La Liga rivals Celta Vigo.

It was last year when Assuncao finally left Los Colchoneros to join Famalicao, where he immediately made his mark in the Portuguese top-flight.

The 20-year-old is the son of former Atletico Madrid defensive midfielder Paulo Assuncao. Like his father, Gustavo is also eligible to play for Portugal despite recently being called up for Brazil's under-23s team.

As previously confirmed by Paulo to Record, his son is not tied up with any club or country at the moment, insisting, “Gustavo's future in the sport is still open.”