Manchester United are one of the clubs interested in rising Benfica star João Neves but will face a tough battle to secure his signature.
That’s according to Jornal de Noticias, in their Ataque weekend supplement, who cover the player today and how Benfica have stuck a ‘non-negotiable’ tag on his head.
The newspaper explains that Neves is wanted by Manchester United and Juventus, with reports in Italy this week even making it clear that the Serie A side recently sent their director of football to watch him and have been in contact with Jorge Mendes, his agent.
They wanted to know the details of a possible transfer but, according to JN, Benfica aren’t interested in the slightest.
They’re aware of the interest from Manchester United and Juventus but consider the youngster an ‘essential element’ and have made it clear that they are ‘not even available for negotiation’.
The player renewed his deal with the club in August which did not extend his current one beyond 2028 but did see him increase his salary and doubled his termination clause to €120m.
That is presumably the figure Benfica would demand should either Manchester United or Juventus come seriously calling, which they seem to think is a possibility in Portugal, even if their side won’t be answering.
