Man United ‘convinced’ about signing Portuguese star

Manchester United travel to Merseyside to face Everton when the Premier League returns after the international break. 

The Red Devils have lost nine of 18 matches across all competitions so far this season, but a 1-0 victory over Luton Town last time out means that Erik ten Hag’s side have now won four of their last five league games.

Ten Hag’s side currently sit sixth in the top flight table, and it appears that the Dutchman is already plotting potential signings ahead of the January transfer window.

United have stepped up their interest in Benfica star Joao Neves, according to Record via The Sun.

The report claims that those in charge of the Premier League club are ‘fully convinced’ about the midfielder, who broke into the first team at Benfica after Enzo Fernandez departed to join Chelsea.

Neves has attracted interest from Manchester United

Neves, 19, has now made a total of 38 appearances for the club at senior level, scoring twice and providing two assists.

United are said to have been interested in the teenager since June, and have sent scouts to Lisbon to watch the midfielder in action.

The youngster made his senior international debut for Portugal alongside current United star Bruno Fernandes last month, during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Fernandes is said to be a ‘huge admirer’ of his fellow countryman, who has been touted by fans as the ‘next Fernandes’.

The Red Devils’ interest comes despite the club having signed several midfielders over the past 18 months, including Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Sofyan Amrabat and Mason Mount.

Despite their interest, Neves may prove difficult to lure away from the Portuguese capital as he is contracted to Benfica until 2028.

Although his current deal does include a release clause, the fee is believed to be set at a staggering £103 million.