According to a report, Manchester United is prepared to shatter their transfer record in pursuit of Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves.
United has been monitoring the 19-year-old Neves for some time now, with scouts frequently observing his performances.
Following reports that United closely watched Neves in Benfica’s recent match against Sporting CP, they were reportedly impressed by his display.
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Record suggests that United is ready to invest significantly in Neves, making his acquisition a top priority for the upcoming summer transfer window. They have earmarked over €100m (£85.7m) for securing the midfielder’s services.
It’s reported that United is willing to surpass the £89m club-record fee they paid for Paul Pogba in 2016 to secure Neves’s signature.
The plan appears to involve pairing Neves with fellow Portugal international Bruno Fernandes in midfield. Fernandes has previously expressed his support for Neves, indicating that he is ready for a step up to a bigger stage.
Benfica is likely to demand Neves’s full release clause of £102.9m, but there’s speculation that a potential permanent transfer of current loanee Alvaro Carreras could help negotiate a lower fee.
With new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe already making changes to the club’s internal structure, United aims to strengthen their squad this summer. Neves could fill a void in midfield, especially if current options like Casemiro and Christian Eriksen depart, leaving space for Neves to contribute.