Do Man Utd have a priority clause for Joao Neves? Benfica release surprise public statement amid claims €120m-rated midfielder is set to agree transfer to Old Trafford

Reports have claimed the Red Devils have priority to sign the defensive midfielder, who has impressed for both Benfica and Portugal. However, the Portuguese giants have taken the unusual step of posting an official statement dismissing this speculation.

A club statement reads: "Benfica denies the existence of any right of preference over its player João Neves. Under no circumstances did Benfica enter into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player from their formation – nor does it intend to do so – so any information that points in another direction is false."

Neves, who has already made 49 appearances for Benfica's first-team, reportedly has a €120 million (£103m) release clause which may fend off potential suitors. However, following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority takeover of United - with the Ineos owner's team set to handle recruitment matters going forward after the £1.3 billion, 25% purchase - the teenager may be at the top of their transfer list.

There is just over two weeks left of the January transfer window for teams across Europe to make the signings they need for the rest of the season. It remains to be seen if Neves, who has made nine Champions League appearances so far, will still be at Benfica next month.