According to reports ‘ Manchester United is closely monitoring Benfica midfielder Joao Neves’ Reportedly, Manchester United is closely monitoring Joao Neves, a midfielder from Benfica.

The Red Devils significantly bolstered their midfield during the summer transfer window by bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea on a permanent deal and Sofyan Amrabat on loan from Fiorentina with a buy option.

Erik ten Hag, the manager, also reinforced other areas of the squad by signing Rasmus Hojlund as a striker, goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, and defenders Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon (on loan).

However, the team has struggled in the early part of the season, losing six of their first 11 games across various competitions and four out of their initial eight Premier League matches, resulting in a 10th place position in the league table.

Despite the challenging start, Ten Hag is determined to improve the team’s performance and is reportedly eyeing new player acquisitions in the upcoming January transfer window.

According to The Sun, Manchester United is closely monitoring 19-year-old Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, with scouts sent to observe his performances in Portugal. Neves recently featured as a second-half substitute in Benfica’s 1-0 win against Estoril in the Primeira Liga.

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Following the departure of Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea, Neves swiftly established himself as a regular in Benfica’s first-team squad last season, making 19 appearances in various competitions during the second half of the season.

He has continued to impress this season, making 11 appearances for Benfica across all tournaments, including five starts in the Primeira Liga and two starts in the Champions League group stage.

Neves’ performances have earned him a call-up to Roberto Martinez’s Portugal squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Despite the interest from Manchester United, Benfica is under no pressure to sell Neves, given his contract is valid until June 2028 and includes a release clause estimated to be around £103m.

Notably, Manchester United is also interested in Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis and recently scouted him in action. However, they may face competition from other top clubs for his signature, including Liverpool, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Additionally, Manchester United has been linked with another Portuguese talent, Goncalo Inacio, a center-back from Sporting Lisbon, and reports suggest that they are considering him as a potential target for the January transfer window.

Facts To Know About Joao Neves

• He is a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Primeira Liga club Benfica and the Portugal national team.
• He was born on September 27, 2004, in Tavira, Portugal.
• He joined Benfica’s youth academy in 2011 and made his first-team debut in August 2022.
• He helped Benfica win the Primeira Liga title in his first season with the first team.
• He also reached the quarter-final of the Champions League with Benfica in his first season.
• He is known for his passing, tackling, and work ethic.
• He has been compared to former Benfica midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
• He is one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe.