16 January 2024 , 16:53
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Benfica have released a statement denying they have held talks with Manchester United over the potential transfer of Joao Neves.
Neves has established himself as a regular starter for the Portuguese giants, who currently sit second in the Primeira Liga, just a point behind leaders Sporting Lisbon. The 19-year-old has impressed in defensive midfield, making 29 appearances in all competitions.
His contract at the Estadio da Luz runs until the summer of 2028 and contains a buy-out clause worth £103million. Reports emerged earlier this week that United will initiate talks with Benfica in order to bring Neves to Old Trafford.
While it will take a sizeable fee for United to buy him, the Red Devils are thought to be ready to get negotiations underway. But those reports have now been dismissed by Benfica, who have denied talks have been opened with United.
"Sport Lisboa e Benfica denies the existence of any right of preference over its player João Neves," the Portuguese club said in an official statement released on Tuesday afternoon.
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"Under no circumstances did Sport Lisboa e Benfica enter into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player from their formation – nor does it intend to do so – so any information that points in another direction is false."
That statement from club chiefs ensures there is no doubt that they are of the same opinion as manager Roger Schimdt. The boss insisted last month that none of his players wish to leave as they look to defend the title they won last season.
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Benfica boss Roger Schmidt has insisted he wants to keep Neves at the club (Diogo Cardoso/Getty Images)"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," he said.
"I talk to them every day, all of them. We're in the middle of the season, we have big goals with Benfica. Of course we're not going to let these players leave, we need them and they don't want to leave. There's no question about that."
As well as winning a second successive Primeira Liga title, Neves will also be hoping to help Benfica go on a deep run in the Europa League. He has developed a reputation for breaking up play and instigating attacks from deep.
With United having badly disappointed during Erik ten Hag's second season in charge, Neves is being seen as a priority investment. A move for the 19-year-old would certainly have the support of United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
“It has to be the Manchester United coach who says whether he has a place in the team or not,” Fernandes said in November when asked about the possibility of Neves moving to the Red Devils.
“He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas. But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes.
“I would love to have him by my side, because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him."
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