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Manchester United-linked Joao Neves refuses to commit long-term future to Benfica

Man United-linked Joao Neves refuses to commit long-term future to Benfica
© Reuters
Benfica midfielder Joao Neves refuses to commit his long-term future to his Portuguese club amid links with Manchester United.

Benfica midfielder Joao Neves has refused to commit his long-term future to his Portuguese club amid suggestions that Manchester United are keen to buy him during this summer's transfer window.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the best young talents in European football and has already made 55 appearances for his current side, providing three goals and three assists in the process.

This season, meanwhile, the Portugal international has two goals and two assists in 35 appearances, and he played every minute of his side's Champions League group-stage campaign.

Neves has a contract with Benfica until June 2028, but there is believed to be a release clause of around €120m (£103m).

When asked whether he would be staying with his current side on a long-term basis, Neves was unable to provide a clear answer, instead insisting that he will 'do his best in every game and every training session'.

Benfica's Joao Neves in action on September 20, 2023© Reuters

"I promise to do my best in every training session, in every game, and I think that is one of my greatest qualities," Neves told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday.

"I'm focused on Benfica and even more so on [Thursday's] game, which is the next one. I think I will do my best in every game and in every training session."

Neves's agent Jorge Mendes recently hinted that the midfielder could be on the move this summer, as well as Benfica defender Antonio Silva, who is also believed to be a leading target for the Red Devils.

"Their (Benfica's) president Rui Costa will have to decide when he's ready to consider a deal," Mendes told Record. "It's always the club's decision. I can take the proposals and the conditions."

Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva on May 21, 2023© Reuters

When questioned whether Benfica had received offers for either player during the January transfer window, the agent added: "Yes, there have been situations in which any of them would have had offers if the door had been open.

"The players will stay at Benfica until the end of the season, that's for sure, and then Rui Costa will decide what's best to do. And then, as with all the other players: meetings, talks and, when the time is right, the decision will be made."

Silva, 20, is also viewed as one of the best young talents in European football, with the centre-back already making 32 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.

Both players are expected to be a part of the Portugal squad at the upcoming European Championship, which is due to run from June 14 to July 14, with any possible transfers therefore potentially taking place after the tournament.

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Benfica's Joao Neves during the warm up before the match on January 14, 2024
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