Manchester United 'keen on Benfica teenager Joao Neves'

Manchester United are reportedly admirers of Joao Neves, with the club potentially exploring a deal for the Benfica midfielder during this summer's transfer window.

The 18-year-old came through the youth system at his current club, and he has made 20 first-team appearances, scoring once and providing one assist in the process.

Neves featured on 17 occasions in the league during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring once, while he also played three times in the Champions League, turning out in the knockout round of the competition against Club Brugge and Inter Milan.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Man United are admirers of Neves, with the English giants potentially making a move for him during the summer market.

Neves was not involved for Benfica in the early months of the season, but he was a constant in the second half of the campaign and started their final six league games of 2022-23.

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The midfielder was on target against Sporting Lisbon in the league on May 21, and Benfica have him on a long-term deal, signing him on terms which run until June 2028.

Man United will move for at least one central midfielder during this summer's transfer window, with Chelsea's Mason Mount set to join in a £60m deal.

Mount will allegedly pen a five-year deal at Old Trafford, with the Englishman set to undergo a medical after the weekend.

Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are again expected to be important players for Man United next season, but there is uncertainty surrounding the futures of Fred and Scott McTominay.

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A departure for either Fred or McTominay would likely lead to another midfielder arriving, with a younger player, potentially Neves, arriving alongside a more experienced player in the shape of Mount.

Man United are also in need of a new centre-forward, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani seemingly emerging as a genuine target in that area of the field.

The club will also move for at least one new goalkeeper this summer but whether a number one or number two arrives depends on David de Gea's future.

De Gea's contract is due to expire on Saturday, and Man United have allegedly not yet made a final decision when it comes to the Spaniard.

Tom Heaton has had his contract extended for another 12 months, while Dean Henderson is already back at Carrington, but neither player are viewed as potential number ones for the club next term.