Man Utd midfielder search takes twist after Joao Neves transfer 'agreement'

Manchester United’s hopes of signing Joao Neves this summer have been dashed as Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly on the verge of securing a deal for the Benfica sensation.

United have had their eyes on Neves for the past six months, following his standout performances for Benfica. The Portuguese international has a £101million release clause in his contract, but Benfica president Rui Costa has previously dismissed suggestions that they would accept a lower offer.

Neves is believed to be on Erik ten Hag’s shortlist for a new midfielder this summer, alongside PSG’s Manuel Ugarte and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. However, it now seems unlikely that the Red Devils will secure the 19-year-old’s signature.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claims that PSG have initiated a ‘new’ and ‘positive’ round of negotiations with Benfica over a potential deal for Neves. It’s understood that the French heavyweights are eager to finalise the deal next week.

A package worth £59m plus players in exchange moving to Benfica is expected to suffice. Renato Sanches is one of the stars involved in the talks, with the midfielder poised to return to Benfica after departing As Aguias in 2016.

This development suggests that United are set to miss out on a long-term target. However, it could provide the impetus they need to seal a deal for Ugarte.

Despite indications that the Uruguayan international is keen on the move, United have yet to meet PSG’s £59m valuation.

Benfica’s president Costa confirmed that an offer had been made for their defensive midfielder Neves, although he chose to keep the specifics under wraps.

“I never said that Joao Neves would only leave for his release clause and therefore, those claims are false,” he began. “What I can say in relation to Joao Neves is that there is an offer on the table.

“That has been in the news in the last days but I’m not going to say where this proposal stands. There is a proposal on the table which is being evaluated and is being discussed. But at this moment, Neves remains a Benfica player.”