Bruno Fernandes has told Manchester United that Joao Neves is ready to play for the Premier League giants.
United have recently been linked with a move for the 19-year-old, who plays with captain Fernandes for the Portugal national team.
According to reports last week, new club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to approve a record-breaking offer of more than £100million to sign the youngster from Benfica this summer.
Neves has himself recently stopped short of committing his future to Benfica. When asked last month if he believes he will still be at the club next season, he told reporters: "I promise to do my best in every training session, in every game, and I think that is one of my greatest qualities.
"I'm focused on Benfica and even more so on [the next] game. I think I will do my best in every game and in every training session."
Fernandes is preparing to link up with the Portugal squad as the domestic season enters an international break and has been asked about United's interest in Neves.
He told Sport TV: "I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump.
"He is an excellent player, he’s with the national team… that’s also why the big clubs are after him."
