Who is Joao Felix? Benfica wonderkid being chased by Man United and Man City set to star in Nations League finals

Manchester City and rivals United are both interested in Joao Felix this summer with the Benfica wonderkid dubbed as the next Cristiano Ronaldo.

They, along with Chelsea and Liverpool, have reportedly sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old playmaker who is also on the radar of some of Europe’s top clubs as well.

Joao Felix is wanted by a number of clubs

Benfica are understood to have slapped a staggering £105million price tag of the teenager but the likes of City and United look willing to fork out such an amount.

Felix will be in action for Portugal in their Nations League tie against Switzerland tonight, a clash that will be live on talkSPORT.

Ahead of that match, here is all you need to know about the exciting attacking midfielder.

Joao Felix factfile

Age: 19

Height: 5ft 11

Position: Attacking midfield

Nationality: Portuguese

Debut: 2018

League appearances: 12

League goals: 6

Rising through the ranks

Felix spent seven years at Porto’s academy before being released in 2014 because he was deemed too small.

He moved to Benfica and quickly impressed as he made his reserve team debut a year later.

He was then promoted to the senior side at the start of this season and has gone on to score 15 times in 26 appearances, while he’s also notched seven assists.

Why such the high price tag?

Benfica clearly do not want to see another highly-rated youth prospect leave for another European league, like former starlet Renato Sanches.

Felix signed a new contract in November amid reports of a number of clubs watching him closely.

That improved deal will keep him at the Portuguese club until 2023 and increased his buyout clause from £45million to £105million.

Benfica will not sell unless the clause is activated, when they will have no choice.

Scouts have watched a number of Joao Felix’s games

Who is interested in him?

Chelsea, prior to their transfer ban, were understood to be watching the midfielder closely as they prepare for life after Eden Hazard.

Liverpool also reportedly had a £60million bid rejected, with Real Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all scouting him heavily.

But it’s now Manchester United and Manchester City battling for his signature with the current Premier League champions bidding the £105million and the Red Devils ready to match it.

Joao Felix has been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo

Who has he been compared to?

He possesses many of the same talents as Cristiano Ronaldo because of his pace, goalscoring ability and creativity.

Felix has also been compared to retired Portuguese attacking midfielder Rui Costa.

Who does he want to play with?

Felix has been touted as the next Ronaldo and the player himself has hinted at a move to Italy to play alongside his hero.

Felix told Tuttosport: “All the best Portuguese players have gone to play in the most important foreign leagues, and of course I’d like to do that too.

“I’d like to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo because he is simply the best. He’s an idol, a world icon, an example for everyone.”

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