Cristiano Ronaldo’s endorsement is poised to propel Manchester United ahead of Liverpool in acquiring a Portuguese talent for £104 million. Manager Erik ten Hag is enthusiastic about finalizing the deal at Old Trafford.

Liverpool is reportedly on the verge of completing the signing of a Portuguese international, endorsed by Cristiano Ronaldo, which could potentially outpace Manchester United in the race for his acquisition. Both clubs are not expected to engage in significant January transfers, and United is dealing with financial fair play constraints.

The Reds, on the other hand, are considering alternatives for a center-back position after Joel Matip sustained a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury against Fulham.

The desired player is a right-footed center-back who plays a vital role for Benfica, currently holding the title of the highest-scoring defender in Liga Portugal for passing accuracy in the ongoing season. His impressive stats encompass top rankings for tackles and blocks per 90 minutes, positioning him as a potential emerging star in the global football scene.

Reports from 2022, aligning with Erik ten Hag’s arrival at United, disclosed favorable endorsements from Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes for the Portuguese center-back. The pair had previously played alongside him in the national team, fostering a positive perception of his abilities at Old Trafford.

Liverpool is also contemplating Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande as an option. The 20-year-old Ivorian center-back, who is scheduled to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, has attracted attention from Arsenal and Newcastle as well.

Diomande has been a consistent presence in Sporting’s lineup this season, sharing the defensive duties with Goncalo Inacio, another player reportedly drawing significant interest from Liverpool. Additionally, former Liverpool center-back Sebastian Coates is part of the Sporting team.

The pursuit of defensive reinforcements highlights Liverpool’s dedication to strengthening their squad amid injury setbacks. The potential acquisition, supported by Cristiano Ronaldo’s endorsement, introduces an intriguing element to the ongoing transfer narrative.

Amid the complexities of the transfer window, both Liverpool and Manchester United are facing challenges. However, Liverpool’s proactive steps in tackling defensive issues demonstrate their determination to remain competitive in both domestic and international competitions.

As rumors circulate within the transfer market, the conclusion of these potential deals will become apparent in the upcoming weeks.

Liverpool’s strategic initiatives to address their defensive requirements signify a dedication to prolonged success. If the speculated transfer comes to fruition, the recommended Portuguese talent could make valuable contributions to Anfield.