Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has said that Benfica midfielder Joao Neves is ready for the big jump amid the speculation over a move to Old Trafford.
The 19-year-old is one of the best young midfielders in European football and he has been frequently linked with a move to the Premier League over the last year.
United are reportedly one of his main admirers and it was recently claimed that they were building a close relationship with Benfica before making a summer approach.
Benfica dismissed the story with a public statement, but this has not stopped the speculation.
When asked about the United link, Fernandes said that he does not whether the rumours are true, but added that Neves is ready for that big jump as he is an excellent player.
He told Sport TV: “I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump.
“He is an excellent player, he’s with the national team… that’s also why the big clubs are after him.”
Neves would be a perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo has been a revelation since his breakthrough into the senior squad this term.
He has been consistent with his performances and has now been rewarded with a maiden call-up to the England national team.
The youngster is best suited to the number eight role with his playmaking ability and Neves would be an ideal partner for him.
The 19-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade and his statistics have been quite exceptional.
He has a passing accuracy of 90 per cent with an average of two tackles and six duels won.
Neves has made a stunning 6.5 recoveries per league game with a long ball accuracy of 71 per cent.
Aside from this, he has caught the eye with his high pressing and tireless work rate over 90 minutes.
He could form a superb double pivot alongside Mainoo for many years to come.
Neves seems a quality replacement for Casemiro, though we would like the Brazilian to stay for at least one more season.
The Portuguese may require some time to adapt to the league’s intensity and he may need to be eased into the starting XI.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
