Football Digest: Man Utd to be active ahead of transfer deadline
Manchester United are in talks over the signing of Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves and lead Chelsea in the race for his signature, according to reports. Neves has been mooted as the ‘next Bruno Fernandes’ and could join the United captain at Old Trafford in the upcoming year.
Erik ten Hag reportedly wants a second midfielder before Friday’s summer transfer deadline, with Sofyan Amrabat and Ryan Gravenberch among the players linked.
But he also allegedly has an eye on the future, identifying Neves as a target for January or the end of his second season in England.
According to The Sun, United have discussed a possible deal with Benfica for the 18-year-old midfielder, who has been dubbed Fernandes 2.0.
Neves featured 17 times in Benfica’s Liga Portugal-winning 2022/23 campaign, becoming a regular starter in the latter stages.
He boasted strong numbers in tackling, blocking and progressive passing to catch the eye of heavyweight suitors and has started two of the Lisbon giants’ three games this term.
The report claims that Chelsea have also shown an interest in Neves, but Benfica are reluctant to send him to Stamford Bridge after last winter’s Enzo Fernandez saga.
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Chelsea’s relentless January interest saw Fernandez leave in a £107million deal late on, and Benfica are said to retain a sour feeling towards the Blues.
It has left United in pole position for Neves’ signature, and the 5ft 9in maestro dreams of playing in the Premier League.
However, Benfica look set to make United wait until next summer to complete a move as they prepare for Champions League football.
A January exit could enter the realm of possibility if Roger Schmidt’s side exit in the group stage, which may come at a handy time for Ten Hag.
Early-season injuries to Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount have diminished the Dutchman’s options.
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He has just Casemiro, Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Hannibal to select from while Donny van de Beek attempts to secure a transfer away.
Further problems in the coming months would leave Ten Hag desperate for mid-season reinforcements.
And Neves could pose as an attractive option to integrate into his squad as the Dutchman focuses on winning now and building the foundations for future success.
Neves, a Portugal U21 international, has an estimated market value of £8.6m, but Benfica will likely demand an inflated fee, given the magnitude of the interest.
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