Man Utd Make Fresh Proposal To Benfica For Joao Neves
Benfica starlet Joao Neves has been heavily linked with a move to Man United over the last few months.
Neves has refused to commit his future to Benfica, prompting further speculation he could be on the move in the summer. However, Benfica are keen to keep hold of the youngster and reportedly want to increase his release clause to €150m.
The 19-year-old has featured 27 times in the Portuguese top flight this season, notching three goals and two assists.
Benfica confirm Joao Neves transfer stance amid ongoing Man Utd interest
The 19-year-old midfielder, who is widely considered to be one of the most exciting prospects in European football, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last few months. Various reports have described him as Casemiro’s long-term successor.
Neves, who only turned 19 in September, has established himself as a regular in Schmidt’s plans just last season.
Issuing a glowing assessment of Neves last month, Benfica’s former chief scout, Jose Boto, said: “At his age, he combines talent with impressive dynamism in midfield and above-average maturity, something he demonstrates with every performance he makes. He shows that he’s ready to play at the highest level and has a huge scope for progression. He’s a player who impresses and whose faults are hard to find.”
Man Utd to offer fresh proposal for Joao Neves
Today’s print edition of Record have revealed that the English giants have submitted their first bid for the Portuguese sensation but it has fallen well short of the Águias’ asking price.
Benfica president Rui Costa has rejected United’s first bid of €60 million with the Portuguese club holding out for a minimum of €100 million.
The 19-year-old has a €120 million release clause in his contract, which is unlikely to be triggered by United. However, United could include add-ons to bring the final price down in their new proposal to sign Neves.
Among his peers in the Liga Portugal, the defensive midfielder was also in the top three percent for tackles, duels won and recoveries (as per fotmob).
Signing him alongside Kobbie Mainoo would be quite the statement from INEOS. And with Alvaro Fernandez already signing for Benfica, United already have a good relationship with the club.
