Manchester United are expected to begin negotiations early this year with the aim of signing teenage superstar Joao Neves from Benfica this summer.
The midfielder, who turned 19 in September, has established himself as a regular at the Portuguese champions this season under Roger Schmidt.
Neves has racked up 27 appearances in all competitions and has also made his senior debut for Portugal this season, earning three caps in Euro 2024 qualifying.
He has a release clause of €120 million valued at £103 million and is considered one of the most productive young prospects in Europe. British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, who finished his £25 million for £1. 3 billion following the acquisition of United for a penny on Christmas Eve, is made up of a deal of money from the United Empire.
Neves, who has made nine appearances in the Champions League, is considered a priority investment after a difficult season for the Old Trafford club.
The starlet, who has made a total of 47 appearances for Benfica, is renowned for breaking up play and instigating attacks from deep. But Benfica head coach Schmidt has insisted the Portuguese club have no intentions of selling anyone in January’s transfer window.
The former PSV Eindhoven boss has ruled out the option of Neves leaving this month, insisting that no member of his squad will be sold through the club in the middle of the season.
He said recently: “We’re halfway through the season and we have big goals. In fact, we wouldn’t possibly let any of those players go. We want them and no one needs to leave, so there’s no doubt about it. “
Neves has a contract until 2028 and United will have to be patient to get their man but he will soon be able to start the preparatory work.
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However, United officials have already been in discussions with Benfica this month over a loan for Alvaro Carreras Fernandez ahead of a £8.5million transfer.
The 20-year-old United left-back inspired his loan spell at La Liga side Granada, where he made 14 appearances and played for Spain’s under-21 team. But Benfica are in complex talks to resume their loan spell before signing the defender permanently.
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