Manchester United have pulled out of the race to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, according to Portuguese outlet โปรโมชั่น ufabet. United have decided against competing for the French giants after Paris Saint-Germain made a £76million bid for Neves, according to reports. Should PSG
secure Neves’ signature, they will likely be willing to let Manuel Ugarte leave.
What’s more, Benfica are also increasingly coming under pressure to sell as it seems unlikely that they will be able to move on defender Antonio Silva this summer. Leaving Neves as the more viable source of income.
The Red Devils have reportedly already had a €70 million offer for the teenager rejected and have informed the Lisbon giants that they will not bid any higher for him.
Portuguese outlet O Jogo report that Paris-Saint Germain are the club that retain the strongest interest in the 19 year old as “Luis Enrique sees João Neves as an important piece to increase his team’s central power and hopes to count on the player as soon as possible.”
According to the report United “have already decided not to proceed. With an astronomical offer and preferred to attack Manuel Ugarte from PSG. Which could further fuel the Parisians’ appetite for the Eagles’ midfielder.”
United’s cross city rivals Manchester City are also said to harbour an interest in the player but “the Citizens have not yet decided to go hard for the player. Leaving the way free for the French champions.”
With the side from Old Trafford clearly pursuing numerous players such as Matthijs de Ligt. Joshua Zirkzee, Jarrad Branthwaite and Leny Yoro on top of Ugarte. It is unconceivable to think the club could also reach the €100 million that Benfica are currently demanding for Neves.