Manchester United are the club “most interested” in signing Benfica wunderkind Joao Neves this summer, according to reports in Portugal.
Neves enjoyed a breakout season with Benfica and was named in Portugal’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024.
There have been rumours of a move to the Premier League all season, rumours which have accelerated as the Portuguese side have had to sell players this summer.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City are all reportedly interested in signing the 19-year-old midfielder, who played the full 90 minutes in Portugal’s 4-2 win over Finland in a pre-tournament friendly on Tuesday.
He would cost a significant amount, with Benfica unwilling to sell for less than his release clause of €120m (£102m).
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Transfermarkt have said he is worth €55m (£46.7m) and Manchester United have reportedly made a bid of £51m.
Benfica have rejected an offer from the Red Devils and, as we say, are keen to receive a transfer fee in excess of 100 million euros.
The Premier League giants are expected to make another push for Neves, with reports from Portugal claiming they are one of the “most interested” clubs, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich also interested.
It has been noted that it is only a matter of time before “pressure” mounts on Benfica as they are “sticking to their release clause” and “they know that no club will ever reach it”.
“Two English clubs” have told Benfica they are willing to pay £51 million for the player – with the report only mentioning Manchester United and Arsenal – suggesting Mikel Arteta’s side have offered the same amount as their Premier League rivals.
In another boost for both clubs, the Portuguese club was unable to agree a new contract with Neves.
The proposed salary is “significantly lower than the salary of the highest-paid player in the team and does not reflect the importance the midfielder already plays within the squad”, making a contract extension or increase in the release clause “unlikely”.
Agreement on new terms has “not been completed”, but talks appear unlikely to be resumed following Neves’ refusal.
Club president Rui Costa acknowledged that Benfica would need to sell players this summer, again softening the club’s stance.
Costa had hoped that centre-back Antonio Silva’s value would soar but that hasn’t happened and it is highly unlikely they will receive the fee they “originally expected”.
The report adds: “The situation could put further pressure on the Reds regarding Joao Neves’ situation, while, on the other hand, sooner or later the youngster will be faced with the opportunity to play in the Premier League on a vastly higher wage.”
Manchester City appear to be lurking in the background, with City star Bernardo Silva, Neves’ Portugal teammate, adding fuel to the fire this week.
“I told him to come to Manchester City because he is Portuguese and someone I respect a lot and I want him by my side,” he said.
“He’s not a cheap player and I don’t think it will be easy to join the race for him. I wish him the best in the decision. He has a great future.”
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