Manchester United reportedly had scouts in attendance for Benfica's clash with Sporting Lisbon on Sunday evening to watch midfielder Joao Neves.
The 19-year-old has been in impressive form for his Portuguese club this season, making 18 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and providing one assist in the process.
Neves's first goal of the campaign came in Benfica's 2-1 win over Sporting last time out, and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United had scouts at the Primeira Liga contest to watch the midfielder.
Romano claims that the 20-time English champions are 'monitoring' the youngster, although a decision on a possible move is unlikely to be made until the board changes at the club are confirmed.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to purchase 25% of the club, and the British billionaire is set to overhaul the football department, with CEO Richard Arnold already being moved on.
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The 71-year-old's arrival will allegedly see Man United's transfer budget increase for January, and a recent report claimed that the club are lining up a mid-season move for Neves.
Neves came through the youth system at Benfica, making his first-team debut last year, and he has now represented the Portuguese giants on 38 occasions, scoring twice and providing two assists.
Manchester City have been linked with the midfielder, who made his Portugal debut last month, but it is believed that the strongest interest is arriving from the red side of Manchester.
Neves has a deal with the current Primeira Liga leaders until June 2028, with his release clause said to be around £103m, but it is thought that he could be allowed to leave for around £61m.
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The youngster is currently with the Portuguese national side preparing for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualification matches with Liechtenstein and Iceland, and he is seemingly in an excellent position to be a part of the squad at next summer's European Championship.
Man United are currently well-stocked in central midfield, but Donny van de Beek is set to leave next year, while Sofyan Amrabat is only on loan at the club from Fiorentina.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Casemiro's future, with the Red Devils thought to be willing to listen to offers for him in January, as clubs from Saudi Arabia begin to circle.
Benfica are likely to strongly resist a mid-season sale, with Neves vital to a team which is currently top of the Portuguese division and also through to the knockout round of the Champions League.
However, Ratcliffe's arrival could see Man United make a statement signing in January, and the club are seemingly determined to win the race for Neves's signature.
Matt Law
