13 January 2024 , 20:30
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Manchester United are set to initiate talks early this year in a bid to sign teenage superstar Joao Neves from Benfica this summer.
The holding midfielder, who only turned 19 in September, has established himself as a regular this term in the Portuguese champions under coach Roger Schmidt.
Neves has racked up 27 appearances in all competitions and has also made his senior debut for Portugal this season, earning three caps in Euro 2024 qualifying.
He has a €120million buy-out clause worth £103m and is considered one of the best young prospects in Europe. British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, 71, who completed his £1.3billion 25 per cent takeover of United on Christmas Eve, is determined to improve their recruitment this year.
Neves, who has made nine Champions League appearances, is viewed as a priority investment following a challenging season for the Old Trafford club.
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The starlet, who has made a total of 47 appearances for Benfica, is renowned for breaking up play and instigating attacks from deep. But Benfica head coach Schmidt has insisted the Portuguese club have no intentions of selling anyone in January's transfer window.
Joao Neves is a Man United transfer target (Getty Images)The former PSV Eindhoven boss has ruled out the prospect of Neves leaving this month, insisting that nobody within his squad will be sold by the club mid-season.
He said recently: "We are halfway through the season and we have big goals. We certainly won't let any of these players leave. We need them and no one wants to leave, so there's no question.”
Neves is under contract until 2028 and United will have to be patient to get their man but are prepared to start the groundwork soon.
However, United officials have already been in discussions with Benfica this month over a loan for Alvaro Carreras Fernandez ahead of a £8.5million transfer.
The United left-back,20, has impressed out on loan at La Liga side Granada where he has made 14 appearances and played for Spain U21s. But Benfica are in advanced talks about taking over his loan before signing the defender permanently.