Man United learn Joao Neves asking price as Bruno Fernandes comments resurface

Manchester United have learned Benfica’s asking price for Joao Neves after tabling an opening bid for the talented midfielder.

Portuguese outlet Record reports that United has submitted a bid of approximately £51 million for Benfica’s 19-year-old sensation Joao Neves.

This marks the club’s first offer of the summer for the talented young midfielder, who has been previously linked with an Old Trafford move.

However, Benfica has reportedly rejected the bid and are unwilling to consider any offer below £85.38 million.

It was added that they would ideally want to sell the player for his release clause, valued at £102.46 million, but it appears that an offer at around £85 million could secure the teenager’s services.

Neves is a supremely talented central midfield player who could arguably slot next to Kobbie Mainoo in United’s midfield to create one of the most exciting young midfield partnerships in European football.

However, a deal will certainly be more difficult than reports suggest. INEOS is working on a tight budget and has numerous priorities outside of the midfield. Strengthening centre-back and striker positions is more pressing.

Read More: Antonio Conte “wants” Man United midfielder ahead of new Serie A appointment

Making an offer for the teenager towards that £80 million mark would likely depend on how successful the English club are in terms of summer sales.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is a known admirer of his Portugal teammate and has previously admitted he would ‘love’ to see him join the Manchester-based club.

“I would love to have him at United,” Fernandes told Sport TV in Portugal last year. “But it’s Joao’s choice… He has top quality.

“He’s a great player, but it depends on the coach’s ideas. He will have a great future, in United or somewhere else.”