Manchester United are monitoring the situation of Benfica 18-year-old Joao Neves as they look to bolster their midfield ranks this summer ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The Red Devils have struggled so far this summer amid ongoing uncertainty over the ownership of the club. As it stands, they have missed out on first choice targets Harry Kane and Kim Min Jae, with the latter Bayern Munich bound.
They are also at a stalemate with Chelsea over a move for Mason Mount, with the midfielder having already agreed personal terms with Erik ten Hag’s side but a fee yet to be agreed for the two sides despite three bids having been tabled.
Now, as per Italian journalist Gianluca di Marzio they are looking elsewhere, and 18-year-old midfielder Joao Neves is among those being monitored ahead of potential move to Old Trafford.
Neves broke into the Benfica first team this season, racking up 17 Portuguese top flight appearances, while he has also managed three appearances for the U21 national side.
It has caught the eye of clubs across Europe, with Bayern Munich also thought to be eyeing up a potential move for the teenager, who is reported to have a 60m euro release clause in his current contract with Benfica.
Christian Eriksen and Casemiro are both among the first names on the Manchester United teamsheet at present, but are now 31-years-old, while the futures of both Fred and Scott McTominay are unclear this summer, meaning that more than one midfielder could be required at Old Trafford this summer.
Though he could prove expensive, should they be able to lure Neves to the northwest, they could have a midfielder for the next decade in their ranks.
