Benfica deny Man Utd's right of first refusal over Joao Neves

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).