Man Utd ‘exploring separate Benfica transfer’ as stance on signing Ramos emerges

Manchester United are interested in pursuing the signing of Benfica gem Joao Neves, according to reports in Italy. The Red Devils have been consistently linked with striker Goncalo Ramos in the past six months but it appears he is not the only Benfica player of admiration in the summer transfer window.

Ramos caught the eye at the World Cup in Qatar when he netted a hat-trick for Portugal in their 6-1 drubbing of Switzerland after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the starting XI.

Yet United are yet to blink in the race for the 22-year-old, who is now being marketed by super-agent Jorge Mendes.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio, 18-year-old midfielder Neves is now of interest and United could look to explore a deal for the talented teenager.

Neves has slowly but surely made his way into the first team after joining Benfica’s youth ranks back in 2016 from their Algarve academy side.

He has also been capped at U15 and U19 level by Portugal and is quickly emerging as one of the Primeira Liga’s brightest talents.

The defensive midfielder, who can also play in other midfield positions, played 17 times in the Portuguese top-flight last season while also featuring in the Champions League three times.

United are open to strengthening their midfield options this summer while they are also always open to signing players for the future.

Neves ticks both boxes as he has an incredibly high ceiling while also boasting experience within the senior game.

Benfica are always open to doing business with other European clubs as they have a history of overturning mega profits due to their stunning academy and recruitment record.

Reports in Portugal suggest Benfica president Rui Costa can envisage United shelling out huge money for their talismanic forward Ramos.

Ramos has filled the void of Darwin Nunez following his £85m transfer to Liverpool last summer and now The Eagles will command a similar fee.

Ex-AC Milan midfielder Costa is said to believe the Red Devils would be prepared to table just shy of £70m for the Portugal international frontman.

But so far this window, United have shown huge reluctance to pay anywhere close to that figure for a new No.9.

Harry Kane, Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Osimhen have all been deemed out of financial reach with United also targeting other signings including a new goalkeeper.

Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Ramos and it’s been speculated that Benfica have already recently turned down a bid.

United are currently prioritising the arrival of Mason Mount as talks continue behind the scenes with Chelsea.