Manchester United target answers £100m transfer question amid INEOS links

Joao Neves has confirmed his current transfer stance amid links to Manchester United as INEOS look to finalise their Old Trafford summer targets.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s bid ratified by the Premier League, he and the new Manchester United board are keen to start making moves.

New CEO Omar Berreda was the first target for Ratcliffe as he hopes to make improvements at the very top of the club.

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Dan Ashworth, current sporting director for Newcastle United, is said to be the next target for Manchester United, with the 52-year-old reportedly eager to make the move as soon as possible.

But, Ineos are also eager to start signing players for Erik ten Hag‘s squad, and in midfield, United have been linked with Benfica’s Joao Neves, who would replace Casemiro as Ratcliffe looks to move the 31-year-old on this summer.

19-year-old Neves, who has a release clause of around £100 million in his current contract, has impressed as a pivot in his two seasons with the Portuguese champions, and with a pass completion rate of 87%, he is one of the most desirable midfield talents in European football.

When asked about a potential move this summer, Neves gave little away but insisted he was dedicated to Benfica while he remained there.

The Portuguese international said: “I promise to do my best in every training session, in every game, and I think that is one of my greatest qualities.

“I’m focused on Benfica and even more so on [Thursday’s] game, which is the next one. I think I will do my best in every game and in every training session.”

Christian Eriksen‘s spot at Manchester United is also thought to be in question after Brentford manager Thomas Frank refused to close the door on a potential return for the Danish captain in the future.