Liverpool have given Man United seal of approval for £100m Joao Neves transfer

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves since January and a transfer could be one of Erik ten Hag's priorities

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has backed Benfica midfielder Joao Neves to go far in his career after joining up with him for Portugal's European Championship campaign.

The 19-year-old has been linked with a move to United since the start of the year. Benfica released a statement denying the midfielder would be making the switch to Old Trafford that window due to reports in the Portuguese press linking him to United.

Since then, Benfica's President Rui Costa has hinted that his club may have to sell players in the summer but with a €120m (£100m) release clause the Portuguese team are in a strong position to hold their line. Neves would fit the mould for the type of player that United want to bring to the club this summer.

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Casemiro has been under fire this past season after a severe drop-off in his performances. The Brazilian has been linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League and if that was to be finalised a defensive midfielder would be desperately needed.

Should Neves be the man that United target, he has already earned himself a seal of approval from Jota. Speaking on the Goal podcast via CM Sport, the Liverpool forward spoke highly of the midfielder's potential.

"Joao has the right quality and mentality to go far," Jota said. When asked about his future recently, Neves did not wish to commit himself fully to Benfica.

"Staying at Benfica next year? I can't promise anything for next season," he explained. "My wish at the moment is to stay at Benfica and then we will see, you never know."

Neves is expected to feature for Portugal on Tuesday when they take on Czechia in their opening Euro 2024 match.