Manchester United's interest in Neves is not new, but this Tuesday there were reports that in the deal for Alvaro Fernandez, the right-back who will be presented as Benfica's new signing on loan from the English club, the Red Devils had guaranteed a right of first refusal over the 19-year-old midfielder.

Benfica then had to deny this information, stating that Neves has a release clause of 120 million euros (£103.1 million) and that United are not willing to negotiate for the midfielder until the end of the season.

"Sport Lisboa e Benfica denies the existence of any pre-emption rights over its player Joao Neves," a club statement read.

"Under no circumstances has Sport Lisboa e Benfica entered into talks with Manchester United or any other club about this player from its youth academy - nor does it intend to do so - so any information to the contrary is false."

Neves, a Portugal international, has a contract valid until 2028 and has a Flashscore market value of 44.7 million euros (£38.4 million).