Benfica plan to keep starlet in January despite Manchester United transfer links

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 08: Alvaro Odriozola of Real Sociedad shoots under pressure from Joao Neves of SL Benfica during the UEFA Champions League match between Real Sociedad and SL Benfica at Reale Arena on November 08, 2023 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Benfica have no intention to sell Joao Neves in January despite speculation that has seen the Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves linked with a move to Manchester United.

Joao Neves has attracted lots of attention this season as he continues to star in Benfica’s midfield. The midfielder is now a regular in Portugal’s national team, with Premier League duo Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva expressing desire for their clubs to make a move when the transfer market reopens.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims United scouts have been tracking Neves this season, but striking a deal with Benfica will be a difficult task since there’s a similar clause in his deal as Enzo Fernandez – a €120 million buyout clause.

Fernandez is currently at Chelsea but his big money move to Stamford Bridge materialised after Argentina won the World Cup in 2022. They haven’t had a good start to the season under Mauricio Pochettino and you won’t see them get the same level of scrutiny as United or Erik ten Hag.

Anyhow, earlier reports of scouting missions appear to be just that. United are keeping an eye on Neves, which makes perfect sense given his potential at the highest level.

Romano makes it clear that Benfica aren’t interested in doing business unless Neves’ valuation – albeit excessive – is respected.

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