Bruno Fernandes names Portugal teammate he wants Man Utd to sign
- Fernandes is keen to link up with Portugal teammate Joao Neves at club level
- Man Utd have regularly scouted the 19-year-old midfielder
- Arsenal & Liverpool are both known admirers of the Benfica teenager
By Tom Gott
Bruno Fernandes has encouraged Manchester United to act on their interest in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.
United have regularly scouted the 19-year-old and were in attendance as he shone in Benfica's recent 2-1 win over Sporting CP, watching the teenager alongside scouts from both Arsenal and Liverpool.
Neves' excellent form this season has seen him rewarded with two caps for the Portugal national team. The youngster came off the bench for the final five minutes of October's 5-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina and saw another three minutes against Liechtenstein on Thursday.
Asked about United's interest in Neves, Fernandes admitted he'd be keen to see the teenager join him at Old Trafford but only if manager Erik ten Hag sees a future for him.
"It has to be the Manchester United coach who says whether he has a place in the team or not," Fernandes told a press conference.
"He's a great player, I don't know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas. But he's an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes.
"I would love to have him by my side, because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him."
Neves is not the only Portugal international on United's radar. Benfica centre-back Antonio Silva, who played the full 90 minutes against Liechtenstein, is also being tracked, as is Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.
Following their underwhelming start to the season, which has been plagued by injuries, United are keen to reinforce their squad in January and have drawn up a lengthy list of potential targets.
Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo is on the radar for defensive reinforcements, as is Monaco right-back Vanderson.
United have also joined the race for in-demand Fluminense midfielder Andre Trindade, who is wanted by Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur as well.
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