Manchester United ‘hold talks with Benfica over wonderkid Joao Neves’ – dubbed ‘Bruno Fernandes 2.0’ – and could steal a march on Chelsea because of the Enzo Fernandez saga
Manchester United ‘hold talks with Benfica over child prodigy Joao Neves’ – dubbed ‘Bruno Fernandes 2.0’ – and could steal a march on Chelsea over Enzo Fernandez saga
- The 18-year-old defensive midfielder Neves made his entry into the Benfica squad last season
- Portugal Under 21 prospect has attracted interest from Man United and Chelsea
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Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Benfica about 18-year-old child prodigy Joao Neves – who has been nicknamed ‘Bruno Fernandes 2.0’.
The Portugal Under-21 midfielder made 20 first-team appearances in the 2022-23 season as part of a breakthrough campaign at the Estadio da Luz.
The sun report that United have had some talks about a possible deal with Neves who is eager to play in the Premier League.
But any move may have to wait twelve months, as Benfica does not want to sell Neves yet. That could change if the reigning Portuguese champion leaves the Champions League after the group stage.
According to reports, Chelsea is also interested in the teen and has taken their own approach.
Manchester United are reportedly in talks with Benfica over 18-year-old child prodigy Joao Neves
Benfica’s Neves (right) can operate as a central midfielder or a defensive midfielder
However, it is believed that Chelsea’s handling of the Ā£107 million midfielder Enzo Fernandez hunt last January may have made Benfica reluctant to go with them.
United changed shape when they signed Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020 and he is now their captain, having scored 65 goals in 188 appearances for the club.
While Fernandes moved at a much older age, Neves hoped to make a similar impact at Old Trafford if a move were to happen.
However, Neves has a different profile to Fernandes and usually plays as a defensive midfielder or central midfielder, with tackles and interceptions being a strength.
That’s exactly what United need right now to help Casemiro, who looked stretched in the first two Premier League games against Wolves and Tottenham.
Erik ten Hag hopes to sign a defensive midfielder before the transfer deadline on Friday evening.
Neves draws comparisons with United captain Bruno Fernandes (left) because of his qualities.
Erik ten Hag would like to sign a defensive midfielder before the transfer window closes
Benfica’s dissatisfaction with the way Chelsea bought Enzo Fernandez could influence Neves’ decision
Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is an option, but the Italian club are not keen on a loan deal as they want a permanent transfer. They would consider a loan agreement with a purchase obligation.
Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, also wanted by Liverpool, is another possibility, but he has agreed personal terms with the Anfield club.
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