Manchester United have made preliminary contact with Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, according to A Bola (via SportWitness), ahead of the January transfer window.

Since his breakthrough season with Benfica last season, the 19-year-old has made quite an impression. He is now a regular starter for his club in all tournaments and has also joined the Portuguese national team. Bruno Fernandes recently remarked that he would love to have him at Man United and A Bola believe that the club have made some ‘exploratory contacts’ to find out requirements for a transfer.

However, the Portuguese site adds that unless his £105 million release clause is activated, the Premier League heavyweights are unlikely to sign him during the winter transfer window. Benfica regard the midfielder as untouchable at the moment and have no intention of considering his departure in early 2024. United may have to wait until the summer to bargain for the highly regarded talent.

Neves has come a long way since his breakout season last year. He is currently one of the first names on Benfica’s team sheet. The teenager is primarily a holding midfielder, although he can also play as a number eight or on the right side of the attack. His versatility is comparable to that of Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva. He has the potential to be a future superstar.

United have increased their scouting efforts on him, but a viable deal with Benfica may have to wait until the conclusion of the season. The Portuguese club accepted staggered payments from Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez last winter, but it wasn’t until the Blues agreed to pay more than the release clause in his contract that the deal was finalized.

We simply don’t see United going the same approach given they are in a more difficult position with Financial Fair Play. With the Glazer family not spending a penny of their own money, United are on the verge of exceeding their spending limits and are unlikely to seal a club-record deal for Neves this winter.