Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, despite having their initial bid rejected.

The Red Devils are looking to improve their midfield options for next season, and Neves has been touted as a player of interest.

The 19-year-old impressed while playing in Portugal last season, making 55 appearances across all categories. He primarily plays as a holding midfielder, which is the crucial position Man United is aiming to improve.

With Casemiro’s finest days behind him, a player like Neves would provide a big increase in this area of the game.

In the Europa League for Benfica, he averaged 3.7 tackles per game and had a respectable 88% pass accuracy.

Benfica rejected Manchester United’s opening offer of €60 million (£51.1 million), but the Red Devils have received a boost in their pursuit of the teenager.

It’s no secret that Neves has a €120 million release clause in his current contract, which runs until 2028. According to Record, Benfica attempted to persuade the teenager to sign a new contract, but were unsuccessful.

While his release clause is now set at £105 million, an offer of roughly £85 million is regarded to be sufficient to start the process.

Man Utd preparing a second bid

Manchester United will be heartened by the news that Neves has turned down an offer from Benfica, and the Red Devils are reportedly contemplating a new bid.

Manchester United is expected to extend their bid for the midfielder to €75 million (£63.9 million), with a series of add-ons that may bring the total sum to about €85 million (£72.4 million).

With Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes looking like vital players for next season, Neves may be the perfect acquisition to round out the midfield.

Rio Ferdinand used his chat with Portugal manager Roberto Martinez to question about Neves and whether he’d fit in at Old Trafford.

“Joao Neves could certainly play for Manchester United. He is a very intelligent midfielder with easy access to the box, but he is always strategically positioned,” Martinez told FIVE.

“He has a really particular profile; obviously, he is quite powerful in one-on-one scenarios, and he can be just as decisive as Mbappé. For me, the goal is pretty clear: to provide him the opportunity to make a difference in these one-on-one settings.

“He has the personality to play for a tough club like AC Milan, which expects victories in every game. He has already demonstrated that he can win championships when his teammates allow him to express himself on the pitch.”