Romano provides Joao Neves update Man Utd fans will HATE
Cameron Smith
- 20 Nov 2023 15:47 GMT
- 3 min read
Manchester United’s hopes of signing Joao Neves in January have been dealt a blow as Benfica have no intention of selling the midfielder mid-season.
Neves, 19, has been scouted by several top teams, with Man Utd’s interest the most heavily reported thus far.
The Red Devils have sent scouts to watch the Portuguese star on many occasions, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that a January exit is seen as highly unlikely.
He posted on Twitter: “Benfica have no intention to open talks for João Neves in January despite Man United sending their scouts many times to track talented midfielder.
“There’s [the] same clause as Enzo Fernández one year ago into his contract: €120m.”
Fernandez, of course, left Benfica to join Chelsea this January, but the Portuguese giants are not interested in allowing the same thing to happen two years in a row.
Romano’s information confirms what FootballTransfers reported last month. In October, we revealed that Man Utd admire Neves but any deal for the Benfica youngster will have to wait until the summer of 2024 at the earliest.
We have been told that the Red Devils are among several clubs tracking the 19-year-old, but the transition of Sir Jim Ratcliffe coming into the fold means that funds are likely to be limited in the January transfer window.
Fernandes wants Neves
While a deal for Neves is unlikely to be concluded soon, Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes has urged the club to sign his international team-mate.
He recently told Sport TV Portugal: “I would love to have him [Neves] at United, he has top quality! But it’s Joao’s choice.”
Neves has made 18 appearances for Benfica this season, scoring once, as they sit top of the Portuguese top flight. They have, however, lost all four of their Champions League group stage games in 2023-24.
