Portuguese giants Benfica have issued a statement denying that they have held talks with Manchester United over a deal for their midfield prospect Joao Neves.
Neves is one of Europe’s most talked about young midfielders and he is a player that Manchester United know well having followed him closely since he made his breakthrough into the Benfica first-team last year.
HITC Football understand that Neves was picked out by United’s scouts during their numerous trips to monitor Antonio Silva, and now both players are of huge interest to The Red Devils.
It was claimed in Portugal that United were indeed using their talks over the sale of Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica, to position themselves to land Neves.
Benfica firm in stance
But Benfica insist that is not the case and have stated: “Under no circumstances has Benfica begun talks with Manchester United or any other club about Joao Neves – nor does it intend to do so – and therefore any information to the contrary is false.”
United sources have also confirmed to HITC Football that they have not spoken with Benfica about Neves, although there is no denying that the good relations that have come form the Fernandez deal – will not hamper any futures deals between the clubs.
Strong interest
United, though, are not alone in their admiration of midfielder Neves – who has become an integral player for the club following the sale of Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea, indeed he has not missed a beat since replacing the Argentine becoming a key player for club and also country and that form has seen numerous teams check on him.
HITC Football understands that Manchester City have been particularly active in their scouting of Neves in recent months, whilst Arsenal, Juventus, AC Milan, Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain are also admirers.
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