Manchester United 'want teenage midfielder as Casemiro replacement'

The 19-year-old has been in impressive form for his Portuguese club during the 2023-24 campaign, making 53 appearances in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering two assists in the process.

Neves's performances this season have led to a host of speculation, with a number of major European clubs believed to be interested in securing his signature in the upcoming market.

Man United continue to be linked with the Portugal international, and according to Record, the 20-time English champions are now preparing to step up their interest.

The report claims that the club are planning to 'advance' on a deal, viewing him as the ideal replacement for Casemiro, who is set to move on after two seasons at the club.

Neves has a release clause of €120m (£102m) in his current deal, but Man United are unlikely to be in a position to pay that during this summer's transfer window.

Indeed, it has already been confirmed that the club will not be in the Champions League next season, and they are facing the prospect of missing out on European football altogether.

There are also a number of other areas of the squad that need strengthening this summer, with two new centre-backs and a centre-forward viewed as priorities.

Neves has four years left to run on his contract, but Man United are thought to be confident of negotiating the price down, with the teenager keen on a switch to Old Trafford.

The midfielder has made 73 appearances for Benfica in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering