Benfica denies reports on Manchester United-linked midfielder

Joao Neves has emerged as one of United’s top targets in the winter transfer window.

Benfica has categorically refuted recent reports suggesting that Manchester United has initiated talks for a potential deal with 19-year-old midfielder Joao Neves. Speculation had mounted over the weekend, asserting that the Premier League giants were gearing up for negotiations to secure the promising Portuguese talent.

Neves, considered one of Portugal’s top young midfield prospects, currently boasts a €120 million (£105m) release clause in his Benfica contract. The club, in a statement on Tuesday, dismissed any involvement in discussions with Manchester United or any other club regarding the player.

“Sport Lisboa e Benfica denies the existence of any right of preference over its player Joao Neves. Under no circumstances did Sport Lisboa e Benfica enter into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player from its formation – nor intends to do – so any information that points in another direction is false,” the statement affirmed.

Benfica’s head coach, Roger Schmidt, emphasized last month that neither Neves nor another player linked to United, Antonio Silva, would be departing in the January transfer window.

“I talk to them every day. Of course we have big goals for Benfica and of course we need them to do that,” the manager said.

“Nobody wants to leave, I have no doubt about that.”