Man Utd warned over price demands for Joao Neves

Manchester United have been warned Benfica will not part with Joao Neves for less than his buyout clause.

United are said to be prioritising Neves' signing for the summer market, though they may be forced to pay his 100m clause to land him.

Local journalist Bruno Andrade said on Maisefutbol: "If there is one player that Benfica won't negotiate for less than the release clause is Joao Neves. Other players like Antonio Silva, Anatoliy Trubin, Benfica believe they can negotiate below their release clause but Joao Neves is different.

"He either leaves the club if his release clause is met or he stays. The board knows that his involvement in the Euro 2024, will increase their chances of getting the full asking price for him so it's justified. United's possible desperation [to sign promising talents] and the way in which Benfica profits well from selling their main academy players, means nothing is impossible along with Jorge Mendes' involvement.

"I always think that it's unlikely for a player in Portuguese football to leave for the value of their release clause but there are recent cases that prove this. And when you put together a club like United, a good negotiator like Jorge Mendes and Benfica's success in selling young players, it wouldn't surprise me to see a club come in and pay his 100m release clause."