Manchester United target with £102 million release clause becomes 'priority' for new Liverpool boss Arne Slot: Reports

Manchester United target and Benfica star Joao Neves has reportedly emerged as a top target for Liverpool ahead of the upcoming season.

Neves, 19, has cemented himself as one of the top young defensive midfielders in Europe since his senior debut back in December 2022. He has helped them lift two trophies so far, including the Primeira Liga title.

A right-footed central operator blessed with passing and work-rate, the Portuguese has allegedly been on Manchester United's transfer radar for a while. Now, he has emerged as a 'priority' signing for the Reds this summer, as per Portuguese outlet Correio da Manha.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is believed to be an admirer of Neves' qualities on and off the ball. However, the Reds will face competition from Manchester United, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the race for the star, who has a £102 million exit clause.

Neves, who would compete with Wataru Endo should he join the Reds, has made 75 appearances across competitions for Benfica so far. He has bagged four goals and laid out three assists for them so far.

Ex-Netherlands midfielder says Manchester United will win league title before Liverpool

During a chat with talkSPORT, former Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder was queried who will win the Premier League title first between Manchester United and Liverpool. He replied:

"Manchester United. Because they have time to build something, the coach will stay and they are confident enough in the coach to build on something. So I believe they will be stronger this season than last season."

When asked to share his two cents on Reds head coach Arne Slot and Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag, the ex-Inter Milan man responded:

"They are both good coaches. Slot did an amazing job with Feyenoord and at United, they are very confident with Ten Hag. He has extended his contract, also Ruud van Nistelrooy, I just got the news that he will be involved. So I think they can do a big job because they have amazing players at United. There has to be a team, they need time. That is what it is looking like so far."

Earlier this May, the Red Devils were close to firing Ten Hag. However, after a 2-1 FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, their top brass decided not to sack the ex-Ajax manager and handed him a new deal.

Liverpool, on the other hand, replaced Jurgen Klopp with ex-Feyenoord boss Arne Slot earlier this May following the German's shock decision.