Transfer Centre

Chelsea to rival Manchester United for Benfica's Joao Neves?

By Carter White | 26 October 2023

Chelsea to rival Man United for Joao Neves?

Chelsea are reportedly in the race to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, with Manchester United also heavily linked with an interest in the 19-year-old.

Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, with Manchester United also linked with the player.

The 19-year-old has featured heavily for the Portuguese giants in the Primeira Liga this season, making eight appearances - five of which have been starts - and providing one assist.

Neves played the entirety of his side's 1-0 loss to La Liga outfit Real Sociedad in the Champions League on Tuesday night, when Brais Mendez bagged the only goal of the contest in the second half.

The one-time Portugal international has turned out on 33 occasions for the club since making his debut in November of last year, finding the net once.

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are not the only admirers of Neves in the Premier League, with another of England's big spenders interested in the player.

Benfica midfielder Joao Neves pictured on May 21, 2023 © Reuters

The report claims that Chelsea are keen on the defensive midfielder, who earned his maiden cap for the Portugal senior side earlier this month.

Neves came off the bench in the final five minutes away at Bosnia & Herzegovina in a European Championship qualifying contest - a game in which Cristiano Ronaldo and company won 5-0.

It is understood that Mauricio Pochettino's men are targeting reinforcements for their defensive and attacking ranks during the January transfer window.

This would rule out a move for Neves in the New Year, however the West Londoners are keen on adding the midfielder to their ranks in future windows.

Benfica's Joao Neves in action on September 20, 2023 © Reuters

The 19-year-old signed fresh terms at Benfica this summer, committing his future to the club until the end of the 2027-28 season, although he is very unlikely to see out the contract.

It is believed that Man United have been scouting Neves for over a year, including when he was playing for Benfica B in the lower leagues of the Portugal.

Benfica have placed a €120m (£104m) release clause in the new contract of Neves, who is also gaining interest from teams in the Saudi Pro League.

A midfield pairing of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo has helped Chelsea to a four-game unbeaten streak in all competitions, with the Blues next in action at home to Brentford on Saturday.