Manchester United has had their eye on Joao Neves for several months, and now that Jim Ratcliffe is a part of the organisation, they are getting ready to make a play to recruit him.

O Jogo disclosed back in October that Ten Hag is putting pressure on the Old Trafford team to lure the Portuguese international away from Benfica.

Ever since, he has been the centre of attention, with numerous reports connecting the midfield player to the 20-time English winners.

Over the weekend, Man Utd was reportedly preparing a “red-hot” bid to ultimately sign Neves, according to British sources (see news image below).

The Seleccao midfielder, who is undoubtedly the greatest No. 6 in the Liga Nos, is ready to start negotiations to move to Benfica, according to the Premier League team.

Ratcliffe is determined to bolster the team this season, and Neves—who has a £103 million release clause—is regarded as a primary choice.

Benfica, who trail leaders Sporting CP by just one point in the Primeira Liga standings, reportedly do not want to lose their valued player in the middle of the season.

Neves has started fourteen league games for the Eagles this season, helping them to nine clean sheets. In addition, he has two assists in addition to one goal scored.

Given that Ten Hag is still searching for someone who can perform flawlessly in the DM position, as Frenkie de Jong did under him at Ajax, Man Utd must find a long-term successor for Casemiro.

Do you think United should spend £103 million to buy Joao Neves?