Manchester United are keeping tabs on Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, according to a report.
The Red Devils bolstered their options in the middle of the pitch during the summer transfer window, with Mason Mount arriving from Chelsea on a permanent deal and Sofyan Amrabat joining on loan from Fiorentina with an option to buy.
Erik ten Hag also strengthened his squad in other areas, with striker Rasmus Hojlund, goalkeepers Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, and defenders Jonny Evans and Sergio Reguilon – the latter on loan – all making the move to Old Trafford.
However, Man United have endured a disappointing start to the new campaign, losing six of their opening 11 games in all competitions including four of their first eight in the Premier League to leave them sitting in 10th place in the table.
While Ten Hag is under pressure to turn the club's fortunes around, the Dutchman is believed to have 'set his sights' on recruiting new players in January.
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According to The Sun, Man United are closely monitoring Benfica midfielder Neves and have sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old in Portugal.
The report adds that Red Devils scouts were in attendance to watch Neves feature as a second-half substitute in Benfica's 1-0 win away against Estoril in the Primeira Liga last weekend.
Neves established himself as a regular in Benfica's first-team squad soon after Enzo Fernandez completed his £107m move to Chelsea in January, making 19 appearances in all competitions during the second half of last season.
The deep-lying midfielder has since played 11 times for the Portuguese giants in all tournaments this term, including five Primeira Liga starts and two starts in the Champions League group stage.
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Neves's impressive performances for Benfica have been rewarded with his first senior call-up to Roberto Martinez 's Portugal squad ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina this month.
Benfica are under no pressure to cash in on Neves, who is under contract until June 2028 and possesses a release clause believed to be in the region of £103m.
Neves, who is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes, is not the only Benfica player on Man United's radar as they are also understood to hold an interest in midfielder Florentino Luis.
The Red Devils allegedly sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old in action last month, but they could face competition from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain for his signature.
Ten Hag's side have also been heavily linked with another Portuguese star in Goncalo Inacio, with one report claiming that Man United have identified the Sporting Lisbon centre-back as a potential target in January.
Oliver Thomas
