Tottenham rival Arsenal and Manchester United for Benfica youngster

Tottenham are one of a number of English clubs following the progress of Portuguese midfielder Joao Carvalho, who belongs to Benfica.

Carvalho is an attacking midfielder who is currently on loan at Vitoria Setubal, who are eighth in the Portuguese top flight.

Carvalho is believed to have been watched by a Spurs scout during Vitoria’s 1-1 draw with Braga on February 26. He has only recently broken into their first team but is considered an exciting talent.

He has also represented Portugal at every level up to Under-21, for whom he has four caps.

Representatives from Arsenal and Manchester United were also thought to have cast their eye of Carvalho, who turns 20 on March 9, at the game against Braga.

He has made four appearances this season and is regarded as one of the most promising young players in Portugal.

While he may not yet be ready to move to a club near the top of the Premier League – certainly not this summer – Tottenham are keen to try to identify such talents before they are widely recognised, and their transfer value soars as a consequence.