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Transfer wizard Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are interested in highly rated 19-year-old Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.
“In terms of possible midfield signings coming in for United, the race remains open for Benfica wonder kid Joao Neves, who has been scouted by the Red Devils, and also by Manchester City.” the Italian journalist said in his Daily Briefing.
The 19-year-old Neves is one of the most sought after young talents in Europe at the moment. He has impressed all and sundry with his displays in the middle of the park for Portuguese club Benfica.
He is already a key player for both club and country. At only 19 year of age, that is very impressive.
He is a natural central defensive midfielder with all the qualities needed in a proper modern-day 6. He can also play as a number 8 and on the rare occasion, he has been deployed on the right. He is one for the future with buckets of talent and potential.
He has caught the eye of numerous European bigwigs, including both Manchester clubs City and United.
Benfica have set his release clause at 120 million euros, which is an astonishing figure for a teenager. As such, whomsoever wants him enough will have a huge dent left in their wallets.
It will not be an easy deal to complete at such an astronomical fee.
“Benfica will insist on the release clause of €120m [£103m] being triggered, so it’s not an easy deal, but the interest from Premier League clubs is there in terms of scouting. So far, no club has approached Benfica to start a negotiation yet, so it remains absolutely open.” Fabrizio added.
United’s midfield options are not as star-studded as their noisy neighbours. Erik ten Hag prefers a midfield combination of Casemiro, Mainoo and Bruno, which works most of the time.
Casemiro however is nearing the twilight years of his career amid interest from Saudi Arabia. Neves could be a fantastic replacement for the Brazilian destroyer, given his age and quality.
