Featured Image Credit: Getty / YouTube/Fabrizio Romano
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, Benfica, Fabrizio Romano
Ryan Smart
Topics: Manchester United, Manchester City, Premier League, Benfica, Fabrizio Romano
Manchester United and Manchester City have learnt the asking price to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves.
The 19-year-old midfielder burst on to the scene towards the end of last season, replacing Chelsea-bound Enzo Fernandez in the centre of Benfica's midfield.
Neves has been ever-present for the Portuguese giants this season, and produced player of the match displays in their last two matches - victories over Chaves and fierce rivals Sporting Lisbon.
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His display in the latter fixture caught the attention of many across Europe, and City star Bernardo Silva, as well as United captain Bruno Fernandes, were asked about the 19-year-old while on international duty with Portugal.
Speaking to local media (via B24PT), Silva stated: "If I can, I'll make a move for Joao Neves to go to Man City instead of Man United, of course."
Fernandes, meanwhile, said: "I'd love to have [Neves] by my side, because he has quality and will have a bright future."
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Now, both Manchester clubs have learnt how much they would need to splash out in order to sign the Portugal wonderkid - and it is bad news.
Benfica, it appears, are opening up for a scenario similar to the one that saw Fernandez eventually complete his protracted move to Chelsea - release clause or nothing.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Neves' current release clause stands at €120 million (around £105 million), and Benfica do not want to settle for a lower price.
He posted on X (Twitter): "Benfica have no intention to open talks for Joao Neves in January despite Man United sending their scouts many times to track talented midfielder.
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"There's same clause as Enzo Fernandez one year ago into his contract: €120 million."
If both Manchester clubs do have genuine interest in the midfielder, therefore, it appears they will need to stump up the cash.