Man Utd ready bid to sign £130M super-talent with Liverpool also expected to make an offer

A transfer battle for Benfica prodigy Joao Neves is building between Liverpool and Manchester United, according to reports from Portugal.

The 19-year-old is rapidly developing and is attracting attention from all over Europe with his intense and efficient displays in midfield for the Primeira Liga title challengers.

Despite his youth, Neves boasts stats that even veteran defensive midfielders don't.

He averages 3.19 tackles, 8.44 ball recoveries and 1.44 interceptions per 90 minutes.

Just take a look at his scout report from Fbrefs.

The first thing you will notice is the sheer amount of green on the page.

Then, compare it to your favourite defensive midfielder and he'll either compare better than you thought or outmatch him.

This is the super-talent all of Europe's super-clubs want.

Man Utd ready "red hot" bid to sign Joao Neves

O Jogo in Portugal claim that Manchester United are readying a "red hot" bid to sign Joao Neves after previously claiming they are in pole position.

His contract includes a release clause worth €120 million (£103M).

Normally, that kind of money would scare interested clubs off but, United are pretty infamous for spending larger than life sums on questionable transfers.

There's no denying Neves' talent but spending anything over £50 million on a 19-year-old is simply outrageous.

Liverpool are also expected to make an offer

Meanwhile, in late-December, Liverpool were said to be expected to make a bid of their own for Neves.

According to another report from O Jogo, Benfica fully expect the Merseysiders to enter the fray with an offer to take the teenager to Anfield.

As already mentioned, it would require an extraordinary sum to complete - the type of money we've never seen Liverpool come close to spending.

It would undeniably be an awesome signing just not one that is particularly likely.

Of course, if Klopp tells the owners he rates him that highly and sees him as a crucial piece of the puzzle it could happen.

I just wouldn't go telling anyone this is a transfer that is happening just yet.