Sporting CP are preparing to sell star midfielder William Carvalho.
The Daily Star says Sporting were willing to do a deal for Carvalho at a knockdown price in January with Premier League rivals Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all keen.
Sporting have now acted to secure 100 per cent ownership of Carvalho, which benefits the interested English clubs due to difficulties in signing players part-owned by third parties.
The 22-year-old midfielder has a £37m release clause in his current contract but a deal could be struck during the winter transfer window at a lower price.
