Red Devils prepare Moutinho bid

Posted Friday, July 06, 2012 by ESPN

According to The Sun, Manchester United are close to making a 25 million Euro bid for Porto's Joao Moutinho.

Sources in Portugal indicate that English giants Manchester United have made an approach to Porto regarding the possibility of buying Joao Moutinho.

Despite signing midfielders Shinji Kagawa and Nick Powell in recent weeks, Sir Alex Ferguson remains keen on strengthening the playmaking position in midfield and has identified the Portuguese international as player who could shine in the Premier League.

The Red Devils have been in a long-term pursuit of Tottenham's Luka Modric, but have grown increasingly frustrated with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's demands. United had supposedly made a starting bid of 25 million Euros with a view of increasing the amount to 30 milion Euros. However, Levy's request for a 40 million Euro transfer fee has put off Red Devils officials.

With the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani becoming household names while at Old Trafford, Moutinho is believed to be interested in following suit. The player's former manager at Porto, Andres Villas-Boas, is also wishes to sign Moutinho for Tottenham, although the midfielder has stated a preference to play for United.