AC Milan could hijack Spurs' bargain transfer as Man Utd weigh up midfielder proposal

Bruno Fernandes has admitted he would love to see Portugal team-mate Joao Neves join him at Manchester United.

The highly-rated 19-year-old midfielder broke into Benfica’s senior setup last season and has continued to impress during the current campaign as his side challenge for the Primeira Liga title and compete in the Champions League.

His progression earned Neves a maiden call-up to the senior Portugal squad last month and he earned his first cap as a late substitute in a 5-0 win against Bosnia before doubling his tally on Thursday with an appearance in a 2-0 win in Liechtenstein.

Red Devils captain Fernandes was asked about possible interest from Old Trafford and praised his young team-mate before revealing his thoughts on a possible move to the 13-time Premier League champions.

He told Portuguese station Sport TV: “Joao has a lot of quality. He has a huge margin for progression, he is a very humble, hard-working player, a good listener, who likes to learn. He already knows a lot, he has an incredible reading of the game for his age, a very good ability to read and understand the game.

“It has to be the Man Utd coach (Erik ten Hag) who says whether there is a place or not. But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid. I would love to have him by my side.”

The 3AM Verdict: There is no questioning Neves’ talent and he has slipped seamlessly into an impressive Benfica side and has not looked out of place in the Champions League. Although it may be too early for a move to the Premier League, it would be no surprise to see the youngster earn a big move sooner rather than later.

Serie A giants eye free transfer move for Spurs target

Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly could be in line for a shock move to Italy as he approaches the final six months of his deal at the Vitality Stadium.

The 25-year-old has captured the attention of a number of clubs around the Premier League and Europe after impressing with the south coast club following an £11m move from Bristol City during the summer of 2019.

Kelly has gone on to make 125 appearances for the Cherries and has earned 10 England Under-21 caps, appearing alongside the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Marc Guehi and Aaron Ramsdale during the Euro Under-21 Championships.

Former Cherries manager Eddie Howe is believed to be keen to take the defender to Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also known admirers. But Italian outlet CalcioMercato have now suggested AC Milan and Juventus are ready to wait until the end of the season to sign Kelly on a free transfer after being put off by Bournemouth’s reported £26m asking price.

The 3AM Verdict: A move to Italy could offer Kelly a chance to shine at some of world football’s most well-known clubs and possibly force his way into the England squad for the first time. One thing is for sure, it seems increasingly unlikely he will extend his time at Bournemouth.

Former Leeds United midfielder expresses Liverpool regret

Former Leeds United star Lee Bowyer has revealed missing out on a move to Liverpool was his ‘biggest regret in football’.

The once-capped England midfielder was allowed to leave Elland Road for what was described at the time as a ‘nominal fee’ when he joined West Ham United on a short-term deal in January 2003.

Bowyer moved to Newcastle during the following summer before rounding off his career with a return to West Ham and moves to Birmingham City and Ipswich Town - but it could have all been so different had he given the green light to a move to Anfield six months before his departure from Leeds.

“I was very close (to signing for Liverpool) - I was halfway through a medical but it just didn't feel right for me at the time," Bowyer told MNF Retro.

“That is my biggest regret in football not going to Liverpool at that time. If I could've turned the clock back I would've gone. Looking back, I made the wrong decision. I knew my time was coming to an end at Leeds due to a few things behind the scenes that didn't sit well with me so I knew it was my time to go.”

The 3AM verdict: Who knows what could have happened for Bowyer and Liverpool had he gone ahead with a move to Anfield? His time at Newcastle was largely disappointment and the infamous on-field fight with team-mate Kieron Dyer. We can’t see Steven Gerrard standing up for that!