Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘reportedly approves record-breaking offer of just over £100m for exciting youngster ahead of summer transfer window’

New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly set to approve a bid of just over £100million for an exciting youngster this summer.

United are eager to improve their squad as they look to start competing for the Premier League title again, and the arrival of Ratcliffe is thought to have brought optimism to Old Trafford.

A report in the Mirror claims that United have already identified one of their key transfer targets for the summer, with a poor 2023-24 perhaps casting greater light on problem areas that need addressing. 

If the signing went ahead it would be a record-breaking deal for United and would eclipse the £89m they paid to re-sign Paul Pogba from Juventus in 2016. 

The report suggests that United are looking to sign Joao Neves from Benfica.

19-year-old midfielder Neves is seen as a very exciting talent and has already made three senior appearances for Portugal.

A product of Benfica’s academy, Neves has played 62 times for the Portuguese club at senior level and has scored three goals.

Last month Ratcliffe gained control over sporting operations at United after finalising his £1.3billion deal for a 27.7 per cent stake in the club. 

Significant changes are expected at Old Trafford this summer, with United players becoming increasingly doubtful that manager Erik ten Hag will remain in charge.

United have appointed Omar Berrada as their new chief executive and are edging closer to naming Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth as their director of football.

In addition, United have held talks with data company Ludonautics, who were behind Liverpool’s signings of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Andrew Robertson. 

Ten Hag’s side are currently in sixth place in the Premier League having taken 47 points from 28 games so far this season. 

United have identified Benfica midfielder Joao Neves as one of their key transfer targets

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