Man Utd prepared to smash transfer record for Joao Neves after extensive scouting mission - with Benfica wonderkid earmarked for club partnership with Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United are prepared to smash their transfer record to sign Benfica starlet Joao Neves and pair him with Bruno Fernandes in midfield.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
United have long been linked with a move for the 19-year-old, as he looks to be one of the hottest properties going into the summer window. Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness) reports that the Red Devils have sent scouts to watch him on multiple occasions throughout the current campaign, with the latest to attend Benfica's clash with rivals Sporting on Tuesday night. Their idea, per the report, is to pair Neves with compatriot Fernandes in order to forge a strong partnership in midfield.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
That level of observation would suggest the Premier League side are heavily interested in Neves, which would corroborate Record's information that United are willing to break the bank for him. The Red Devils have reportedly made the midfielder's signing a "priority" this summer and have allocated over €100 million (£85.7m/$107.8m) to secure his signature. The report adds that they would even be willing to pay above the €105m (£90m/$113.2m) forked out for Paul Pogba in 2016, which remains the club's record transfer fee.
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DID YOU KNOW?
While United are reportedly keen on signing Neves, Benfica will hold out for as big a fee as possible. It is thought that they will demand that his €120m (£102.9m/$129.3m) release clause is met, although it has been speculated that United youngster Alvaro Carreras, currently on loan at the Lisbon club, may be sent over permanently to help sweeten the deal.

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WHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?
New minority investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe will likely want to get business done as soon as possible in his first full transfer market in charge, but this will likely rely on United matching Benfica's asking price. They will be conscious of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool, too, who are both said to be monitoring the youngster.

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