Man Utd transfer target reveals ambition as agent Bruno Fernandes gets to work

Manchester United transfer target Joao Neves has explained his ambition to become a more complete player after stealing the headlines again in Benfica's 1-0 win against Chaves on Friday. Neves' header was decisive at the Estadio da Luz and will have undoubtedly caught his suitors' attention, including the Red Devils.

Reports in Portugal claim the 19-year-old has convinced United to pursue his signature this summer when he will have an £85.5million release clause.

The Old Trafford giants are said to have been watching Neves' exploits after, like Kobbie Mainoo, establishing himself as a regular starter as a teenager for Benfica.

Since graduating from the academy, he has already made 66 senior appearances for the club, 46 of them this season, registering four goals and three assists.

His most recent runout came against Chaves, where his winning goal kept Benfica in touch with Sporting Lisbon in the title race.

"Head goal? I try to be a very complete player. It was a fair victory," Neves explained after full-time on Friday.

"Now in this final part of the season, after the selection [international] break, we need the support of the entire Benfica fanatic soul because we still have many competitions at stake, and we want to do our best in all of them."

Portuguese reports have also covered Fernandes' role in becoming a support figure for Neves in Roberto Martinez's national squad.

The United captain has taken Neves, already with five caps to his name, under his wing, and could play a crucial role in luring the starlet to Old Trafford.

Fernandes spoke very highly of Neves during the March international break, in which Portugal won an 11th consecutive match against Sweden before losing 2-0 in Slovenia.

He said: "He's already playing alongside me in the national team, where only the best get in. He has a lot of quality and a huge margin for progression, and he is a humble and hardworking kid.