After conducting a thorough scouting trip on Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this year, Manchester United is reportedly convinced about acquiring him, according to Record.

Since making his debut for the massive Primeira Liga team last season, the 19-year-old has established himself as a vital player in the middle of the park.

United has reportedly made “continuous observations” about his play, with the most recent observation being during the Lisbon derby, where he was deemed “the star of the game,” according to the record.

The Red Devils are now certain that they should make a play for him, but they may need to exercise his right to a €100 million release clause in order to avoid selling him in a hurry.

Neves has the capacity to develop into a superb defensive midfield player.

The teenager is currently one of the most sought-after young midfielders in European football after making enormous progress with Benfica over the past 12 months.

Neves is capable of playing on the right wing and in various midfield positions. He is mostly a defensive midfielder, though. He has a 91% passing accuracy rate this season.

He has also demonstrated impressive defensive skills, winning 7.3 duels and astonishing 2.4 tackles per game. This campaign, the Portuguese has also completed 71% of his dribbles.

The young player has the potential to develop into a top midfield player in the future. In our opinion, United should move quickly to sign him in order to prevent competition from other teams.

Given the club’s Financial Fair Play circumstances, a January purchase seems unlikely, but if Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to make a sizable investment after acquiring his minority position at United, things may change.

Ratcliffe is anticipated to unseat the Glazers as the club’s athletic director.