Man Utd in front line to sign Portuguese wonderkid

Manchester United are in the front line to sign Portuguese wonderkid Joao Neves from Benfica next summer.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of the best emerging stars in European football and he could be on the move at the end of the season.

Benfica are currently reluctant to accept anything less than his €120 million release clause but their stance is likely to change in the summer.

United are one of the clubs keeping a close watch on his progress and O Jogo claim that they are the front-runners to land his signature.

Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona are among other contenders, but they don't hold a concrete interest in Neves unless Man United.

United captain Bruno Fernandes has already encouraged the club to sign him, but a deal could be put on hold until the end of the campaign.

The Red Devils are not in a position to spend in January due to FFP issues. A winter purchase will depend on a potential cash departure.