Manchester United are in the picture to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer, according to Portuguese publication Record (page 10).
The Red Devils are likely to recruit a new defensive midfielder with Casemiro showing signs of regression in his second season at the club.
The Brazilian was on the radar of the Saudi Pro League last summer and there are suggestions that he could move to the Middle East soon.
Amidst this, United have been linked with multiple midfielders. They have been closely watching Neves and could now compete for his signature.
Neves would be a statement signing for United
The 19-year-old has been a revelation for Benfica since his breakthrough last term. In the current season, he has had a passing accuracy of 90 per cent.
The teenager has also won an impressive six duels per game alongside 6.2 recoveries and 2.1 tackles. He has all the traits to become an elite midfielder.
In our view, he would be an upgrade on Casemiro, who has had a huge drop in his performances.
The Brazilian’s mobility has reduced over the campaign amid injuries, and the Red Devils need someone with a tireless work rate and better ball control.
Neves would be an ideal fit for the role, but he won’t come on the cheap with a high release clause of €120 million in his current deal with Benfica.
United are unlikely to afford the entire fee in one go and they could negotiate staggered payments with some performance-based add-ons alongside.
Bruno Fernandes has already described Neves as an ‘excellent‘ player. He would definitely be a statement signing for United in the Sir Jim Ratcliffe era.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
