Former Benfica scout delivers glowing Joao Neves verdict amid Manchester United transfer links

Former Benfica chief scout Jose Boto has said midfielder Joao Neves is 'ready to play at the highest level' amid ongoing reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

The Benfica ace, who turned 19 in September, has been closely linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent weeks amid the club's plans to strengthen the squad next year. United are understood to have identified four areas of the team they want to bolster in 2024, including central midfield.

Neves, who is a defensive-midfielder by trade, is ranked among the most exciting prospects in Europe, highlighted by the fact he has already chalked up 36 appearances in Benfica colours at the age of just 19. He has played 16 times already this season, including three starts in the Champions League.

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Already a key fixture in Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt's plans, Neves is attracting widespread interest. That, however, comes as no surprise to Boto, who was head of scouting at Benfica for several years.

Boto, speaking to Record, said: "I'm not surprised that all the big European clubs are paying attention, Benfica could earn a lot of money in the future with his sale. There's no doubt in my mind that, regardless of Benfica's season, he'll be worth a lot at the end of the year.

"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."

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