Erik ten Hag warned off Man Utd transfer target despite Bruno Fernandes' green light

Benfica head coach Roger Schmidt has issued a hands-off warning to Manchester United amid their interest in midfield prodigy Joao Neves.

Neves, 19, has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Portugal this season under Schmidt and already has an extensive list of admirers from all across Europe. The newly fledged Portugal international has previously been watched by United scouts and is believed to be of interest to Erik ten Hag.

Despite speculation linking Neves with a blockbuster transfer, Benfica are determined to keep hold of their homegrown star - and Schmidt is adamant that neither Neves or Antonio Silva - another player of interest to Manchester United - will leave in January.

Speaking on Thursday, Schmidt said of the duo: "I talk to them every day. Of course we have big goals for Benfica and of course we need them to do that. Nobody wants to leave, I have no doubt about that."

Neves reportedly has a €120 million (£105m) release clause written into his contract and looks destined for greatness following his rapid rise at Benfica, who offered him his first professional contract back in 2020.

The talented teenager has made strides on the international stage too this term and made his full senior debut for Portugal alongside Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes back in October.

Fernandes was promptly quizzed by reporters over the prospect of potential playing alongside Neves at club level - and his endorsement has only fuelled speculation that Neves will end up in the Premier League sooner rather than later.

Speaking of Neves potentially joining United last month, Fernandes said: "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."

It remains to be seen if United will add to their squad in January despite making their worst start to a season in decades under Ten Hag. The club's financial obligations will dictate their business after the Dutchman was backed to the tune of £170m in the summer.