Manchester United registered their third win on the trot in the Premier League and are now just four points behind third placed Liverpool.

The Red Devils still need to further improve the squad in the winter transfer window to challenge on all fronts and the name of Joao Neves is consistently linked.

The Portuguese international is a wanted player in the market and top European clubs were present to observe his performance when Benfica defeated Lisbon rivals, Sporting CP, in the the last league contest.

If the latest reports in the media are anything to go by then the Red Devils are in pole position to lure Joao Neves in January.

According to Spanish outlet, Nacional, Man Utd have moved ahead of all the admirers and are in a very advanced negotiations with Jorge Mendes to sign his client.

Barcelona have been pushing to lure the defensive midfielder but they have been left behind and Old Trafford could be his next destination.

The Catalan media source have mentioned that Man Utd will pay a fee of £60.7million to sign Neves in January and such a figure would not be turned down by the Portuguese champions.

However, it must be remembered that latest reports from Portugal have indicated the Eagles will only offload their prized asset if the release clause of £104million is met.

At the age of just 19, he is an integral member of Benfica squad and yesterday, he featured in the 2-0 victory against Famalicao in the Taca de Portugal.