are winning the race against to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves.
The 18-year-old has attracted interest from around Europe since breaking into Benfica’s first team.
He’s already made four appearances this term, providing one assist.
His eye for goal and ability to play the final pass has seen him compared to Manchester United playmaker and compatriot Bruno Fernandes.
And Neves is said to be keen to follow the midfielder to the Premier League from his homeland, with a move to England said to be a ‘dream’ for the teenager.
According to the Sun, United recently opened talks with Benfica about Neves’ future.
While the discussions did not result in a bid, United have made it clear that they are interested in Neves and want to remain informed on his future.
Chelsea have done the same by starting a dialogue with the Portuguese giants but it’s claimed the bad blood between the two sides since Enzo Fernandez’s move to Stamford Bridge has given United the advantage.
Benfica were furious with Chelsea’s conduct last January as they prised Fernandez away from Lisbon.
Benfica repeatedly turned down offers for the midfielder, and said he would not leave the club until the end of the season.
But Benfica felt Chelsea had turned Fernandez’s head and disrupted him so much that it was no longer worth keeping him.
They’re therefore reluctant to engage with the Blues again, and that could be good news for United’s bid for Neves.
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