Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes believes Joao Neves is "ready" to make a big move this summer, with the Red Devils among a host of clubs interested in the midfielder.
Neves has impressed since breaking into Benfica's first team last season and the 19-year-old has already earned three caps for Portugal. Reports have claimed that United are willing to pay around £100m for Neves this summer, with the club's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe identifying midfield as an area they need to improve.
In an interview with Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV while away on international duty, Fernandes was asked about Neves being linked with a move to Old Trafford. "I don't know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump," Fernandes replied.
"He is an excellent player, he's with the national team… that's also why the big clubs are after him." It is not the first time Fernandes has spoken of his desire to play alongside Neves for United.
"It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not," he said back in November. "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." United have held a longstanding interest in the teenager and Benfica even released a statement in January responding to claims that they had first refusal on Neves.
"Sport Lisboa e Benfica denies the existence of any right of first refusal over its player João Neves," they said. "Under no circumstances has Sport Lisboa e Benfica entered into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player from its youth academy - nor does it intend to do so - so any information to the contrary is false."
Ratcliffe has already made a host of changes since his deal to purchase a minority stake in the club was confirmed, with Omar Berrada joining from Manchester City to become United's new chief executive.
Dan Ashworth is also close to becoming their director of football, having been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle, while a task force has been set up to decide on the future of Old Trafford.
ceeinrsuyz
1065
We have mainoo we have to give him a chance.