Man Utd lead to sign €120M ace on Liverpool's transfer list in "capital letters"

Liverpool have put Joao Neves' name on their transfer list in bold letters, reports from Portugal suggest.

The 19-year-old has been scouted by the Reds recently as the Premier League sits up and takes notice of the Benfica star.

According to a new report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Manchester United lead the race to sign Neves but Liverpool, along with Man City, Newcastle and Barcelona, have written his name on their transfer list in capital letters.

He's a seriously exciting talent but to trigger his release clause, it will cost a reported €120 million. In fact, it could go up to €150 million if Benfica president Rui Costa succeeds in increasing it along with a salary bump for the young star.

Despite his importance to Roger Schmidt's side, he is currently the lowest paid in the senior team but Benfica are ready to remedy the situation by increasing his terms to €600,000 (£520,000) per year.

Jurgen Klopp's midfield rebuild has seen some brilliant talent arrive at Anfield in the last few months and while Neves would take Liverpool 2.0 to the next level, a specialist defensive midfielder is far more important to the development and growth of this team.

With his shirt tucked into his shorts, Neves has an old-school look to him but his youthful exuberance combines with his natural maturity on the ball to showcase a truly wonderful player.

Given the price tag, it would take a sensational move from Liverpool and FSG to bring him to Anfield so for now it's one to take with a pinch of salt.

Read more recent stories linking him with Liverpool down below.