Manchester United have been linked with a host of Portuguese players ahead of the summer transfer window. The name that has featured predominantly is Joao Neves, one of the most promising central midfielders in Europe. United have plans to strengthen their midfield options and the 19-year-old is a strong candidate to potentially replace Casemiro, whose future is uncertain beyond the summer. However, the Reds are not alone in their pursuit, with Liverpool and Chelsea among the clubs to hold an interest in him. In addition to Neves, Sporting Clube de Portugal’s Goncalo Inacio is also on the radar. READ MORE: Manchester United ‘provide information’ against Man City in legal case against Premier League READ MORE: Forgotten Manchester United player could provide Ineos with unexpected FFP boost He is claimed to be a target for the United hierarchy and after Sporting managed to keep hold of him in January, he could be set for an exit this summer. With that said, MEN Sport has taken a look at what the Portuguese media have reported. A Bola: Benfica fighting to keep hold of Joao Neves Benfica are planning their attack in the transfer window, in a way that they would not need to sell Joao Neves this summer. They want to resist the interest of European clubs, especially in the Premier League, where Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City are all linked with the 19-year-old. The message being transmitted to clubs who have approached Benfica over the midfielder, is clear: Whoever wants to sign Joao Neves, will have to pay his release clause of €120m. Benfica’s new season is also being planned with Neves, and if he leaves, an addition will have to be made despite Fredrik Aursnes’ ability to play in midfield. Neves is seen as a crucial player for Roger Schmidt as Benfica look to have a successful season. The possibility for Neves to depart this summer remains high, but Benfica are determined to keep hold of him and have no intention of negotiating the player at this stage. Benfica will only do so if a club offers the amount of his release clause. The club remain calm about the situation with the midfielder protected by the release clause. There is also the possibility of his performances at the European Championships enhancing his value, which is a prospect Benfica are confident about. The plan Benfica are trying to do the same with Neves as they did with Antonio Silva. The latter could have left Lisbon last year but stayed and is now likely to depart this summer for an enhanced fee worth around €60/€70m. The board are also planning to review Neves’ contract and offer him an improved salary. It is expected to be around €500,000 net-per-season and he will also be entitled to receive a bonus payment from last season if he stays at the club. Roberto Martinez verdict Speaking on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast FIVE, Martinez said: “The first time I watched him was when he was still playing for the under-19s and it was interesting how he was playing in a different role. He’s a player who can have a really good perception of the game. “Then, he slowly secured a place in Benfica’s first-team and everything happened very quickly. There were times when we had to wait a while to make sure he didn’t get ahead of himself. It was then that we sent him to the under-21s, where he competed in the European Championship, in what was another test to understand his abilities. “He scored against Belgium and had a really good tournament. Little by little, we saw that he was prepared then the next step was to see if he was really prepared for Portugal’s first-team. I went to watch him in action against FC Porto and he was elected man of the match. “Moments like that, as a national coach, you feel that if in a game like this he can be the best man on the pitch, then it’s more than clear that he’s ready to represent the national team. The better or more difficult the opponent is, or the faster pace the game is, the better he is at decision making.” Asked about whether he could play at United, Martinez added: “Joao Neves could clearly play for Manchester United. He is a very intelligent midfielder, who has easy access to the box, but tactically he is always well positioned. “He has a very specific profile, obviously he is very strong in one-vs-one, he can be as decisive as Mbappé in these situations. For me it is very clear, it is to give him the opportunity to make a difference in these one-on-one situations. “He has the personality to be in a demanding club, such as AC Milan, which demands victories in every game. He has already shown that he can win titles when the team allows him to express on the field.” A Bola: Man United ready to make Goncalo Inacio bid United are preparing a proposal that would reach Inacio’s release clause. It is claimed they are readying an offer for Inacio and it is expected to reach €60m. Although Inacio is a key player for Ruben Amorim, Sporting would be open to negotiating if his release clause is triggered. Therefore, there is a possibility that United could negotiate with the Lions the extension of payment terms or odd-ons that could potentially be paid in instalments. Both clubs have a relationship extending back to 2003, which could facilitate a transfer. Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani left Sporting to join United, and most recently, Marcos Rojo and Bruno Fernandes also left Lisbon to join the Reds As reported on Tuesday, United have been following Inacio for a long time and the English club are preparing to launch a proposal in the coming days. Record – Goncalo Inacio’s agent leads transfer talks Elsewhere, newspaper Record add: In addition to United, there are other clubs interested in signing Inacio, including Liverpool. However, Sporting are yet to receive a proposal for his services. Clubs interested in signing Inacio will know from his agent, Miguel Pinho the conditions to sign the number 25. Sporting president Frederico Varandas does not intend to part ways with him for less than his release clause, which is set at €60m. The defender, who will represent Portugal in the European Championships, is under contract with the Lions until 2027.
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