Manchester United are interested in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves as a potential summer target.
Manchester United have seemingly made the Portuguese midfielder a top priority, with a deal to sign Joao Neves in the summer already in mind.
Neves currently has a release clause which stands at around €120million (£104million), meaning United would face a staggering fee to force a deal. There have even been reports this has now risen.
It also is a huge question as to whether the 19-year-old would actually want to leave the Primeira Liga, and ultimately depart for Old Trafford. Well, he may have dropped his biggest hint yet that this could be the case.
Joao Neves on future amid Manchester United links
Speaking ahead of his team’s Europa League clash against Toulouse, he was asked about his Benfica future. Neves said:
“Staying at Benfica next year? I can’t promise anything for next season. My wish at the moment is to stay at Benfica and then we will see, you never know.” (Via Fabrizio Romano)
He also added: “I promise to do my best in every training session, in every game, and I think that is one of my greatest qualities. I’m focused on Benfica and even more so on [Thursday’s] game, which is the next one. I think I will do my best in every game and in every training session.”
Manchester United will be licking their lips at the prospect of securing the youngster’s signature.
Joao Neves and Kobbie Mainoo would be a dream
Manchester United would then surely own two of the most talented young defensive-minded midfielders in world football with the purchase of Neves.
A Kobbie Mainoo and a Neves pivot would set United up in that role for the next decade at the very least. A problem position for years, would it be best to just pull the trigger despite the fee?
Time will tell, but Neves’ comments indicate that there surely has to be something in the works.
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