Manchester United were keeping tabs on Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves during the second leg of the Taca de Portugal against Sporting last night.
The 19-year-old is one of the best young midfielders in Europe at the moment and United are said to be determined to land his signature this summer.
Record (page 6) reveal that the club had scouts in attendance to monitor the teenager during the 2-2 draw against Sporting at the Estadio da Luz.
Nothing else is specified, but the publication claim that United are ready to spend more than €100m to bring the talented wonderkid to Old Trafford.
Neves would be a statement signing from United
The Red Devils currently have Casemiro as the main defensive midfielder, but the Brazilian is no longer in his prime and has been injury prone this term.
He is likely to be offloaded during the summer and in our view, the club can make a statement by purchasing Neves from the Portuguese champions.
The 19-year-old has been brilliant at the heart of the midfield for Benfica. He has completed 90 per cent of his passes in the Primeira Liga this season.
The youngster has also won a stunning 6.2 duels and 2.1 tackles per game alongside 6.7 ball recoveries. He has completed 72 per cent of his long balls.
Neves, who has been described as an ‘excellent player‘ by Bruno Fernandes, has matured beyond his years and would be a perfect midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo.
United are prepared to spend over €100m and seem willing to break their transfer record (€105m on Paul Pogba) but Benfica could hold out for much more.
With Neves’ huge potential, the Primeira Liga holders could be reluctant to sell him for anything less than his current release clause of €120m in his contract.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
