The 2024 summer transfer window is now officially open, and Manchester United are expected to be active, with the Red Devils bidding to improve on what was a tough 2023-24 campaign.
The 20-time English champions finished eighth in last season's Premier League, but they did win the FA Cup to secure a spot in the group stage of the 2024-25 Europa League.
Man United's new football department are currently working on deals, and Portuguese giants Benfica could possibly be a club that the Red Devils raid this summer.
With that in mind, Sports Mole discusses the futures of three of the Portuguese outfit's stars who could potentially make the move to Old Trafford.
Joao Neves (midfielder)
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The speculation linking Neves with a switch to Man United is gathering pace, with the 19-year-old thought to be the English club's leading midfield target for the summer window.
Neves, who is with the Portugal squad at Euro 2024, scored three times and registered two assists in 55 appearances for Benfica during the 2023-24 campaign.
The midfielder has a contract with his current team until June 2028, with his release clause set at €120m (£101m).
Man United are believed to be confident of negotiating that price down, but it will still be a hugely difficult task to bring the highly-rated teenager to Old Trafford this summer.
Antonio Silva (centre-back)
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The Red Devils are in the market for at least one centre-back this summer, with Raphael Varane leaving on a free transfer, and Jonny Evans could yet follow him out of the door.
Silva has also been heavily linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with the 20-year-old regarded as one of the best young defenders in world football.
The Portugal international, like Neves, was a key figure for Benfica last term, making 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice, while he has represented his current side on 94 occasions.
Silva also has a release clause in his deal of around €100m (£84m), and Benfica could well hold firm due to the fact that a strong Euro 2024 might lead to the interest increasing.
Fredrik Aursnes (right-back)
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Man United had big problems at full-back last season, with Luke Shaw unavailable for long periods, and Tyrell Malacia missing the entire campaign, so it would not be a shock to see a full-back targeted this summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also being linked with an exit, and his departure would certainly strengthen the need for a new right-back to support Diogo Dalot during the 2024-25 campaign.
Aursnes has not been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but in their monitoring of Neves and Silva, it would be a surprise if Man United had not been alerted by the performances of Benfica's 28-year-old right-back.
The Norwegian enjoyed an excellent 2023-24 campaign, scoring four goals and registering 12 assists in 55 appearances in all competitions.
The defender has three years left to run on his current deal, but he is likely to be an affordable option this summer, and it is a move that could be completed by the Red Devils without too much fuss.
Matt Law
