Chelsea and Manchester United set to battle Bayern for Benfica defender

Chelsea and Manchester United will thrash it out with Bayern Munich in the race to sign Benfica defender Nelson Semedo, according to Portuguese publication A Bola. 

The 23-year-old right-back has started all 17 of Benfica’s league games this season and has impressed in defence for the league leaders. 

However, it is believed Benfica are holding out for bids of around £35m for the 23-year-old defender, though that is unlikely to deter the Premier League pair from moving for Semedo. 

The right-back is under contract at the Estadio da Luz until 2021, so Benfica are under no pressure to sell, which means they can command a top fee for the youngster. 

Chelsea believe Semedo is the long term option at right wing-back in Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 formation, while United feel they could do with strengthening at right-back despite Antonio Valencia’s good form this season. 

Bayern Munich will also lose club stalwart Philipp Lahm at the end of the campaign, with the former Germany international calling time on his career in the summer, and Bayern feel Semedo is the ideal replacement for the 33-year-old.

For more stats on Nelson Semedo, click here to view his WhoScored player page