Man Utd ready to smash transfer record to sign Joao Neves - report

Manchester United are prepared to smash their transfer record fee in order to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves, according to a report.

The Red Devils have been linked with 19-year-old Neves for quite some time, with United sending scouts to monitor him on multiple occasions.

Reports from across Portugal claim United were keen to see Neves perform in Benfica's clash with rivals Sporting CP on Tuesday and they were impressed with what they saw.

With clear interest in the player, report United are willing to splash the cash on Neves. They have made his arrival a 'priority' this summer, and have allocated over €100m (£85.7m) for the midfielder.

United would also be willing to spend upwards of the £89m club-record fee they paid to Juventus for Paul Pogba in 2016.

The plan, it seems, is for United to pair Neves with Portugal teammate Bruno Fernandes in midfield. United captain Fernandes has previously shared his support for Neves, saying he is 'ready for the big jump.'

Benfica will be keen to hold out for a big fee for their youngster, and it is thought they will demand his £102.9m release clause, but it has been speculated that current loanee Alvaro Carreras could be sent over permanently to bring this sum down.

United will be keen to secure strong transfer business this summer, with new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe already reshaping the internal structure of the club. They may look for reinforcements in midfield, with manager Erik ten Hag finding it difficult to pick regulars in this area of the pitch — Current options Casemiro and Christian Eriksen have been heavily linked with exits, leaving an open space for Neves to fill.

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