Manchester United eye £105m rated Benfica teenager as a replacement for Casemiro
Manchester United are reportedly preparing an opening offer for Benfica’s Joao Neves as they search for a Casemiro replacement.
Casemiro joined United from Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2022 and signed a four year contract with the option of a fifth.
The Brazil international’s performances were good in his first season as United finished third and beat Newcastle to win the Carabao Cup.
United eye Casemiro replacement?
Unfortunately for United the Brazilian’s performances this season have dropped way below his usual standard.
Casemiro had a torrid time in the defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday night, and has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
There’s set to be a lot of change at United over the summer with Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to oversee a much needed revamp of the playing squad.
According to Portuguese outlet Record United are preparing an opening bid for Benfica star Neves, who has release clause of £105m in his contract , but it’s believed United would try and negotiate that down.
The 19-year-old actually replaced Enzo Fernandez in the Benfica side when he departed for Chelsea, and has kept his place since.
Record added that United have been keeping a close eye on the talented teenager for several months.
Neves signed a six year deal with the Portuguese giants back in December 2022, and it could potentially take some persuading to convince him to leave the club.
If the Red Devils were able to pull off a deal for Neves there’s the possibility of forming a partnership with another teenage star Kobbie Mainoo in the United midfield.
Neves has made 53 appearances in all competitions this season with 31 of those coming in the league, and has scored three goals.
It appears likely that Casemiro will be moved on this summer, and Neves would no doubt be a very good replacement who could help United for many years to come.
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