‘Complete’ £103m teenager becoming Man Utd’s summer priority

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Manchester United are poised to accelerate talks to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves with a summer deal already in mind.

United have seen one young midfielder break through this season with Kobbie Mainoo becoming a first-team regular.

There was so much excitement for the midfield triumvirate of Casemiro, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes before the season started, yet it’s Mainoo earning the hype.

Casemiro and Mount have yet to make an impact this season and the same goes for Sofyan Amrabat, so United have real question marks in midfield.

Mainoo is the future – and may well be the present too – and United will be looking for a long-term midfield partner in the transfer market…

Manchester United ramping up Joao Neves talks

The Mirror now report that United are planning to initiate talks over a summer deal for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.

It’s stated that Neves is now seen as a ‘priority investment’ at United and negotiations are expected to accelerate soon.

United are expected to make changes to the club’s recruitment setup but Neves may become a top target regardless.

The Portuguese midfielder has been hailed as ‘complete’ and ‘very intelligent’ by his former Benfica coach Luis Castro and has been tipped for a huge future.

Still only 19, Neves has impressed with his technical ability, close control, passing ability and composure in possession, showing outstanding control of the game for his age.

The prospect of seeing Neves and Mainoo in the United for years to come is an exciting one and the hope is that it can become a reality.

Neves release clause explained

United can signed Neves for a fixed fee thanks to a release clause in his Benfica contract.

The clause stands at around €120million (£103million), meaning United would face a staggering outlay to force a deal.

We can’t really see United swooping in to pay that figure over the summer and negotiations with Benfica seem more likely.

United and Benfica have already been in talks in recent days, but not over a deal for Neves.

Benfica are poised to snap up United left back Alvaro Fernandez on loan with an option to buy.

That deal may have strengthened the relationship between United and Benfica, and it may well help a potential move to bring Neves to Old Trafford.