Manchester United are planning to move forward with an offer for Joao Neves this summer, identifying the Benfica star as a long-term replacement Casemiro in midfield.

Neves stepped into Benfica’s midfield to fill the void left by  Enzo Fernandez after his transfer to  Chelsea in January last year, and has since been a key player, with United among several clubs keen on acquiring him.

The 19-year-old has a massive £105 million release clause, the same amount Chelsea paid for Fernandez. United is set to challenge Benfica’s stance, with Portugal’s Record reporting that an initial offer is anticipated shortly.

United has shown interest in both Neves and his Benfica teammate, Antonio Silva, the 19-year-old central defender who played for Portugal in the World Cup in Qatar.

However, United will prioritize signing the midfielder due to the urgent need to revamp that area of the field, especially with Casemiro’s future at the club being uncertain.

Following a remarkable initial season at Old Trafford after his unexpected transfer from Real Madrid, the 32-year-old has had a difficult time this season, appearing as a mere shadow of his former self who excelled with Toni Kroos and Luka Modric for many years in the Spanish capital.

The Brazilian player had a disappointing game playing as a center-back against Crystal Palace on Monday night and could be among those transferred, with clubs from Saudi Arabia showing interest in him and Raphael Varane.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS have already started implementing significant changes at the club, with further unexpected upheavals anticipated this summer.

Considering the Premier League’s financial regulations, United must raise additional funds for transfers by selling players and cutting high wage costs to afford players such as Neves.

In January, Benfica made the rare move of issuing a statement to refute claims that United had engaged in discussions regarding a transfer for the Portuguese midfielder.

A transfer to Old Trafford would allow him to join fellow Portuguese players Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, with the United captain recently stating that the teenager is ‘ready to make the jump’ to a ‘big club’.

‘I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump,’ said Fernandes in March.

‘He is an excellent player, he’s with the National team. That’s also why the big clubs are after him.’