Joao Neves is on Manchester United’s midfield shortlist (Getty)
Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt insists Manchester United target Joao Neves will not leave in the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old has made a rapid rise in Benfica’s first team since making his debut a year ago, quickly establishing as a key player for the Portuguese side.
United have been closely monitoring Neves’ progress having sent scouts to Portugal to watch the midfielder.
It’s understood that Neves has a €120 million (£105m) release clause in his deal with Benfica but Schmidt is adamant that the midfielder and Antonio Silva, another player linked with United, will not be moving in the upcoming window.
‘I talk to them every day. Of course we have big goals for Benfica and of course we need them to do that,’ Schmidt said on Thursday.
‘Nobody wants to leave, I have no doubt about that.’
Joao Neves has quickly established himself as a key player in Benfica’s midfield (Getty)
Speaking last month, Bruno Fernandes made it clear that he would welcome the chance to have Neves alongside him in United’s midfield.
‘It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not.
‘He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas.
‘But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional, he will have a bright future wherever he goes.
‘I would love to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him.’
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United have been keeping tabs on the 19-year-old ahead of the January transfer window.
