Man United and Juventus in bidding tussle for Benfica defender Dias

Rúben Dias, a Portuguese professional footballer. Plays as defender for Portuguese club Benfica and the Portugal National Team - Getty

Manchester United could enter a bidding war for Benfica's Ruben Dias as they look to shore up their leaky defence.


Dias, 21, has already been targeted by Juventus but Portuguese newspaper Record reports that United have opened negotiations, although Benfica look set to demand that the €60 million release clause in his contract is met.

Time, however, is not on United's side. Juve are understood to be in pole position to sign Dias, and the promise of Champions League football is a sizable carrot -- and one United are unlikely to be able to offer.

Atletico Madrid are also reported to have been interested, but are now understood to be focusing on Porto defender Felipe instead.