'100 per cent' - Portugal manager insists €120 million star is good enough for Manchester United

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez believes Joao Neves has what it takes to play for Manchester United amid reports of their interest in the summer transfer window.

United are in search of a new defensive midfielder in the coming months, with Casemiro expected to leave the club if an appropriate offer comes in for him. There is also uncertainty around Sofyan Amrabat’s future following his season-long loan.

Neves, 19, is one of the most exciting young players in the position, though a move to Old Trafford this summer looks highly unlikely given the huge transfer fee it would take.

Benfica are adamant they will only sell the teenager if a team matches his €120 million release clause, and even if they did negotiate below it, it would still likely take a club-record deal to get him.

United’s finances are expected to be tight again this summer as they target a record level of player sales, with the club not expected to spend big on one target as they also look to strengthen at centre-back and striker. They could also add another central defender and a left-back if the budget allows.

Whatever happens next, the Portuguese national boss believes he has what it takes to be a success at Old Trafford. Quizzed on the prospect, Martinez told FIVEUK: “João Neves could 100 per cent play for Manchester United. Everything comes into his stride, the quicker the game, the better the opposition, the better his decisions are.

“He’s an intelligent midfielder. He is a six, but he can be an eight. He can get into the box, get into finishing situations. But his work is more about to be tactically in the right positions centrally. Technically very, very strong, both feet and he has got a very low centre of balance, so he can protect the ball very well. It’s probably the next 50 games that is important in his career.”