'He is ready' - Bruno Fernandes gives Man United green light to sign 'excellent' Benfica wonderkid

Bruno Fernandes believes Joao Neves is ready for a big move ahead of the upcoming transfer window. The 19-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League recently as he continues to impress for Benfica in the Portuguese top flight.

Neves, who sees his contract expire in 2028, has featured 26 times in the Primeira Liga this season, helping Roger Schmidt's side keep 13 clean sheets. The Portugal international has marshalled the Benfica midfield brilliantly, playing a crucial role in their title race against Sporting CP.

His eye-catching performances have reportedly courted the interest of several top European clubs, including Manchester United. According to the Mirror, as quoted by the Daily Mail earlier this month, Sir Jim Ratcliffe could approve a £100million bid for Neves this summer.

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The report outlines the Red Devils' interest in the teenager, who's enjoyed a meteoric rise to superstardom this term. In an interview with Portuguese television station Sport TV while away on international duty, Fernandes was quizzed on Neves' development.

"I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump," said the Manchester United captain. "He is an excellent player, he’s with the national team… that’s also why the big clubs are after him."

In November, Fernandes admitted that he would love to chance to play with Neves at Old Trafford. Speaking ahead of Portugal's European Championship qualifier against Iceland, the 29-year-old said: "It has to be the Man United coach who says whether