Manchester United have been dealt a major blow ahead of the January transfer window, with negotiations underway to extend Joao Neves' Benfica deal.
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Neves in talks over extending stayMan Utd interested in midfielderRelease clause could rise to €150m (£130m/$166m)WHAT HAPPENED?
Neves has emerged as a target for United in recent months and reports earlier this week suggested Benfica would not accept anything less than his release clause to let him go, which currently stands at €100m (£87m/$110m). However, O Jogo reports that extension talks are ongoing, having begun last month, and his release clause could rise to £130m ($166m). A deal at that price would make him the most expensive player in Premier League history.
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Neves is just 19 but has already made 45 senior appearances for Benfica, and has also won three caps for Portugal. Per Fabrizio Romano, United have been scouting Neves since November, but head coach Erik ten Hag may be forced to look into alternative targets if he does commit to fresh terms with Benfica, as his release clause would almost certainly prove prohibitive.
DID YOU KNOW?
Neves has essentially operated as the replacement for Enzo Fernandez since the Argentina international's massive-money departure to Chelsea. He only signed his first professional contract in 2020 and is now seemingly on the verge of a lucrative move himself, hence Benfica's desperation to keep him.
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O Jogo's report claims that Neves' new contract could be announced soon, potentially before the January window opens, thus extinguishing any potential rumours. He is due back in domestic action with Benfica against Famalicao on December 29.