MX23RW : Tuesday, January 28 22:22:56| >> :120:7289:7289:

Manchester United 'willing to pay £61m for Joao Neves'

Man United 'willing to pay £61m for Joao Neves'
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly willing to pay £61m to sign highly-rated Benfica youngster Joao Neves.

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to meet Benfica's £61m asking price for Casemiro replacement Joao Neves.

Casemiro experienced an encouraging first season at Old Trafford after joining the Red Devils from Real Madrid in the summer of 2022.

The Brazilian featured in 51 competitive matches during the 2022-23 campaign, chipping in with seven goals and seven assists.

Furthermore, the 31-year-old continues to be a consistent figure in the Man United lineup this term, starting eight of the club's nine Premier League matches.

However, his performances have come under scrutiny, leading to questions about his place in Erik ten Hag's side.

Manchester United's Casemiro walks off the pitch after being sent off on October 3, 2023© Reuters

A recent report suggested that Casemiro is unhappy at Man United and regrets his decision to end his nine-year association with Real Madrid.

Despite having a long-term contract with the Premier League club, there is now uncertainty surrounding his future at Old Trafford.

According to El Nacional, Man United have identified Benfica youngster Neves as a potential replacement for the Brazil international.

The report claims that the Red Devils are willing to meet Benfica's €70m (£61m) valuation for the 19-year-old midfielder.

Benfica's Joao Neves pictured during the match on May 27, 2023© Reuters

After working his way through the youth ranks at the Portuguese club, Neves made his senior debut in January's 3-0 defeat to Braga.

Since making his Benfica bow, the teenager has gone on to make a total of 32 competitive appearances, registering one goal and two assists.

The youngster's performances were recognised by Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez, who handed Neves his international debut in the recent 5-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in Euro 2024 qualifying.

Neves, who has played all 12 matches for Benfica this season, is expected to start Tuesday's Champions League clash with Real Sociedad.

ID:527178:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect4249:
Written by
Ben Sully

Click here for more stories about Joao Neves

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United's Casemiro walks off the pitch after being sent off on October 3, 2023
Read Next:
Casemiro 'has regrets over joining Man United'
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool22165154213353
2Arsenal23138244212347
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2313553327644
4Manchester CityMan City23125647301741
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle23125641271441
6Chelsea23117545301540
7Bournemouth23117541261540
8Aston Villa2310763435-137
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2381053531434
10Fulham238963431333
11Brentford2394104240231
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd2385102832-429
13Crystal Palace236982630-427
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2376102844-1627
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs2373134637924
16Everton225891928-923
17Leicester CityLeicester2345142549-2417
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2344153252-2016
19Ipswich TownIpswich2337132147-2616
20Southampton2313191653-376


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!