William Carvalho (R) celebrates after scoring a goal during the Portuguese football match Sporting CP vs FC Pacos de Ferreira
Liverpool and Manchester United are thought to have lost ground in their attempts to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, according to reports.
It is thought that French Ligue 1 runners-up Monaco have moved into the driving seat to sign the highly-rated youngster despite Liverpool appearing to be favourites at one point last week.
Man United have had a long-running interest in Carvalho but seem to have moved into third-favourites to sign him.
Monaco chiefs have made no secret of their desire to replace current manager Claudio Ranieri, and talks to appoint Sporting Lisbon manager Leonardo Jardim are now at an advanced stage. It is thought that Jardim will bring Carvalho to the south of France with him.
Carvalho earned his first two caps for the Portugal national side under Jardim’s guidance and his Spanish manager is now keen to continue his progression at the Stade Louis II stadium in Ligue 1.
