Who is Joao Neves? Man United in £129m transfer claim as verdict given on Casemiro replacement

Manchester United have been linked with Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.

After a hugely disappointing campaign under Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils could be set for a busy summer in the transfer market. United finished bottom of their Champions League group and are on course to finish eighth in the top flight, their lowest finish in Premier League history.

One bright ray of sunshine for the club is the ambitious plans of new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group to transform United's football operations. The highly-rated Omar Berrada will arrive as CEO this summer with Jason Wilcox already in situ as technical director. Dan Ashworth is also wanted as director of football.

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Below is a look at the career of Neves so far, the transfer links and whether he could be a realistic signing at Old Trafford this summer...

Neves has spent his entire career so far at Benfica having risen through the club's youth system. The defensive midfielder made his senior debut for the Portuguese giants in December 2022 during a 3-0 defeat to Braga.

The 19-year-old has scored four goals and provided three assists in 73 appearances across all competitions so far for Benfica. He has also made five senior appearances for the Portugal national team.

The teenager is seen as a technically gifted midfielder with excellent passing skills. He has also drawn praise for his quick reactions and tackling skills which are in stark contrast to the sluggish performances from Casemiro this season.

Neves also ranks highly for aerial duels won which