As we approach the summer transfer window, Manchester United’s plans are becoming defined with one player expected to be bid for.
With only four games remaining in the 2023-24 season, attention is now shifting to the summer and who Manchester United will sign.
In this regard, it’ll be a busy window as Ineos will want to stamp their authority on the squad.
This could see a new manager appointed, along with several big names likely on the ‘for sale’ list this summer.
But incomings will be just as important and now it’s been reported one target could be the subject of a bid very soon.
Manchester United could be about to bid for Joao Neves
For most of this season, there has been one midfielder who’s been heavily linked with making the Old Trafford move, that being Joao Neves.
The Benfica teenager is one of Europe’s most exciting talents and he’s been tipped as the perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo.
Now, according to a report from Record, United are set to make a move for the ‘very intelligent’ midfielder, Neves as they look at potential replacements for Casemiro.
The report states that United have had interest in Neves and his teammate Antonio Silva for months, but now have narrowed focus on the midfielder.
Along with this, it’s said United will quickly make their move as we approach the summer transfer window, but that Benfica isn’t completely open to selling and would require a huge bid as they want to keep him for another year.
While Neves would be an excellent addition, his price tag of £104m may prove difficult to overcome for United with a squad overhaul needed not just one player.
Is Joao Neves what Manchester United need this summer?
While he may be a target and there’s little denying he’s an absolutely phenomenal player, is signing Neves the best use of the budget this summer.
This isn’t because he’s not good, in fact, he’s a generational talent and we’d love to see him join the club, as would Bruno Fernandes who has endorsed the ‘excellent’ 19-year-old.
However, that’s the heart speaking. With the head, it’s less obvious a signing to make as Neves is potentially too similar to Mainoo with neither being an out-and-out number six.
Both want to get on the ball and drive forward, dictate play and create which means it could be imbalanced as a pairing in the pivot.
After all the problems we’ve seen this season, the correct midfield profile must be brought in to strengthen here.
Mainoo and Neves together would be an interesting duo which would be very exciting and superb on the ball, but off the ball and in transition there are doubts.
Neves’ tenacity would solve this problem to a degree but it’s still a risk to spend so much on a player who may not be a good fit.