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Barcelona to hijack Man Utd and Man City moves for £35m defender: Talks have been held
BARCELONA have reportedly held talks with Benfica about a summer move for Nelson Semedo.
Barcelona have held talks with Man United and Man City defender target Nelson Semedo
Semedo, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League with Manchester United and Manchester City both interested in securing his signature.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo reported this week that Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira spoke with Manchester City during a visit to Turin for Juventus's Champions League semi-final second leg against Monaco to discuss the transfer of Semedo.
Barcelona have struggled to fill the void left by Dani Alves at right-back and view Semedo as an ideal replacement to resolve their problem.
But Goal claim the Benfica chief also spoke with Barca officials over a summer move for the Portugal international.
Barcelona have struggled to fill the void left by Dani Alves at right-back and view Semedo as an ideal replacement to resolve their problem.
This will come as a blow to both United and City, who are both keen signing Semedo to shore up their defences.
It is claimed United boss Jose Mourinho has been keeping tabs on the 23-year-old with a view to a summer move.
While City's talks with Benfica could end in vein as Semedo could be swayed by the prospect of enjoying a trophy-laden career at Barcelona.
Semedo, who is valued at around £35million, has made 45 appearances for Benfica across all competitions this season and is contracted to the club until 2021.