Bruno Fernandes told Sir Jim Ratcliffe what he thinks of the target (Image: YouTube/CGTN Sports Scene)
Bruno Fernandes' transfer tip has been followed by Manchester United, who have reportedly had a £51million bid for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves knocked back.
Neves has been turning heads with his stellar performances for both club and country. The 19-year-old progidy has broken into the Portugal national team and could feature alongside Fernandes at Euro 2024.
Potentially looking to get the jump on their rivals, the Red Devils are said to have made their move before the tournament gets underway. Record claim they tabled a €60m (£51m) offer that was promptly turned down, with Benfica believed to be holding out for at least €100m (£85m).
Despite only making his professional debut less than 18 months ago, Fernandes is convinced that his compatriot has what it takes to join him at Old Trafford. He was first quizzed about the potential move last November.
"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," he told Sport TV.
"But he's an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes. I would really like 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."
Fernandes has seen what Joao Neves (centre) can do for himself (Image: Getty Images)
Neves' stellar performances in his home country, scooping up six Midfielder of the Month awards last season, have only intensified rumours of a big-money summer move, reports the Mirror. During the March international break, Fernandes weighed in on the swirling transfer talk again.
"I don't know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump," he said. "He is an excellent player, he's with the national team. That's also why the big clubs are after him."
United's offer stands at a mere half of Neves' whopping €120m (£102m) release clause, a figure set in the contract extension until 2028 he signed last August. With Benfica rebuffing any discussions in January, the prospect of a deal seems slim in the forthcoming window.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are tipped to adopt a more measured transfer strategy, shying away from the extravagant spending that has failed to rectify the club's woes over the past 10 or so years. Consequently, meeting Benfica's steep valuation appears unlikely.
Yet, midfield reinforcements remain on the agenda. Casemiro's future is up in the air, linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League after a lacklustre second season under Erik ten Hag.
A decision is yet to be made on whether to trigger the £21m option to buy Sofyan Amrabat following his loan stint from Fiorentina. Ten Hag is also on the hunt for a new striker to take Anthony Martial's place and a central defender to step into Raphael Varane's shoes.
