Benfica manager Roger Schmidt has confirmed the Portuguese club has no intentions of selling any players in January, despite ongoing reports linking Joao Neves with a move to Manchester United.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who has been tipped as one of the brightest prospects in European football, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.
United need to improve in midfield and there’s also a possibility that Erik ten Hag will be looking to replace Casemiro in the New Year. The Brazilian has missed a lot of football due to injuries this season and it remains to be seen if he has much of a future at United
Neves, who has established himself a regular in Schmidt’s plans this season, making 25 appearances in all competitions. He also has three caps for the Portugal senior team.
Schmidt has ruled out the prospect of Neves leaving next month, insisting that nobody within his squad will be sold by the club mid-season.
He told reporters (via Manchester Evening News): “We are halfway through the season and we have big goals. We certainly won’t let any of these players leave.
“Yet we need them and no one wants to leave, so there’s no question.”
Neves is under contract until 2028 and he is a player that is bound to attract lots of attention next summer – granted his keeps performing at a high standard.
However, O Jogo reports that extension talks are ongoing, having begun last month, and his release clause could rise to £130m ($166m). A deal at that price would make him the most expensive player in Premier League history.
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