It’s an exciting time to be a Man United fan, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team get to work on various aspects on the footballing side of the club, not least an upgrade of the first-team squad.
Erik ten Hag remains in charge for the moment, though it’s not clear at this point as to whether he will be helping to drive the transfer direction of the club come season’s end.
In any event, the Red Devils need to be on top of any movements in the transfer market, and it appears that one player in particular is interesting them.
Moreover, he’s already been watched on a number of occasions.
“Joao Neves’ situation will be discussed in the summer for sure, between Benfica and the player’s agent,” Fabrizio Romano said in his exclusive Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside.
“Man United are being linked but again, they still don’t have a director in place and are working on new signings/summer plan as I mentioned many times.
“So, all the names of clubs that are in the media are just for scouting.
“Joao has been scouted multiple times by Man United, I already reported that in October/November. Nothing new so far.”
At just 19 years of age, €100m (Goal) is a hefty price tag to be putting on the teenager, but it shows the regard that Benfica hold him in.
They’re not so stupid as to believe that he will never move on to a club that can perhaps offer him a better opportunity, but nor are they going to be bullied or sold down the river when it comes to the financial elements of any deal.
For the youngster, the idea of playing in front of a full house at Old Trafford must surely appeal, but as Romano states, everything remains quiet for now.