Chelsea now interested in 19-year-old Man Utd want, he has a £104m release clause

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Chelsea and their Premier League rivals Manchester United are both interested in Benfica midfielder Joao Neves.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk.

However, Joao Neves may not come cheap, with the same outlet reporting that the 19-year-old has a €120m (£104m) release clause in his contract.

Chelsea have really focused on signing young and talented players since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.

In the last transfer window, they brought in the likes of Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu, both still teenagers, and it does not look like they will stop there.

Chelsea interested in Joao Neves

While TEAMtalk claims that Chelsea are interested in Neves, they have also stated that the Blues are prioritising signing a new defender and striker going into January.

It makes sense, as Mauricio Pochettino has a strong midfield when everyone is fit.

On top of Lavia and Ugochukwu, the Argentine obviously has Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo as well.

There is Conor Gallagher, too, who has really impressed this season. The 23-year-old, who is open to signing a new contract at Stamford Bridge, has been such a key player for Pochettino.

Gallagher has started in all nine of Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures so far. He has also averaged three tackles per game in the current campaign, more than any other player in his squad bar Marc Cucurella (WhoScored).

The above does not mean Chelsea cannot make a move for Neves at some point. They are a club who are guilty of stockpiling. The Portugal international could perhaps arrive at someone else’s expense.

But right now, it appears that he is not a priority for the Blues and it should probably stay that way, unless there are departures in west London. There is enough midfield talent at Stamford Bridge at present.