We thought that Renato Sanches’ transfer to Bayern Munich would end his saga with Manchester United, but his name is still far from disappearing from the Portuguese newspapers.

Over the weekend, A Bola had a full page article saying that Sanches was José Mourinho’s priority for the next season. The newspaper are said to have learned that he is an admirer of the midfielder and now has missed out on his number one target.

The article gives a few details from the negotiations for Sanches, saying that Manchester United had offered nearly the same amount as Bayern Munich, but the Red Devils’ indecision had led to the player signing for the German side instead. That was also covered last week in Portugal.

According to A Bola, the deal between José Mourinho and Manchester United is getting closer to being sealed and announced. Only a 'big surprise' would leave the Portuguese manager away from the club in the next season.

Unlike so many articles from the European press, A Bola’s story doesn’t say that Mourinho has demanded Sanches’ signing for Manchester United. The newspaper only claims that the midfielder was a target for both of them, without that kind of 'sign him and then I sign for you' speculation.

And Mourinho won’t 'cry over spilt milk' for Renato Sanches. What’s done is done, and A Bola believe he's still looking forward to 'an ambitious project' at Old Trafford.

Lucas Sposito.