Manchester United £46million-rated target Renato Sanches gets first Portugal call-up

 

Benfica midfielder Renato Sanches has received his first Portugal call-up, less than six months after his professional debut.

Sanches is already being chased by some of Europe's biggest clubs, with Sportsmail revealing this month the £46million-rated starlet has been watched by Manchester United scouts.  

The 18-year-old, who has been outstanding for Benfica since making his debut in October, was included in the squad named by coach Fernando Santos for the friendlies against Bulgaria and Belgium this month.

'We are going to have a chance to look at him closely, in the day-to-day work, which involves much more than what happens on the pitch,' said Santos.

Cristiano Ronaldo, who was rested for last November's friendly against Russia, was recalled along with forward Eder, midfielders Adrien Silva and Andre Gomes and 37-year-old defender Ricardo Carvalho.

'This is definitely not the final list for the Euros,' said Santos.

Portugal, who face Iceland, Austria and Hungary in the group stage of this year's European Championships in France, host Bulgaria on March 25 and visit Belgium four days later.