2 months ago
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Manchester United are set to miss out on Joao Neves this summer with Paris Saint-Germain close to sealing a move for the Benfica star who favours a move to France.
United have long-term interest in the 19-year-old star, who stepped into the first-team to replace Enzo Fernandez following his move to Chelsea in January 2023 where he has been a mainstay ever since.
With a new holding midfielder thought to be among their summer targets, United made an offer of €60million (£51m) for the Portugal international in June, one that was swiftly rejected by his club.
While Benfica were initially determined not to sell for less than Neves’ release clause of €120m, that stance has now softened considerably.
Leading Portuguese publications Record and A Bola report PSG are now close to agreeing a deal worth €70m including bonuses.
Talks have reached an advanced stage with the move expected to be confirmed soon. While United have been firmly in the running, Neves prefers a move to Paris and is eager to work under PSG coach Luis Enrique.
Neves joining PSG could hand United a boost amid their interest in Manuel Ugarte, currently playing for the French champions.
United made contact with PSG over a move for the former Sporting Lisbon midfielder last month with PSG believed to be looking for a fee closer to the £51m they paid to sign him just last summer.
Ugarte, who finished his Copa America campaign with Uruguay last summer, could find his role in the PSG team further reduced with the arrival of Neves.
United meanwhile are keen to bring in a new midfielder this summer with doubts over the futures of Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen.
Elsewhere, United have managed to convince another of Europe’s most highly-regarded talents to join the club in Leny Yoro.
The Lille star has undergone a medical ahead of his £52m move to Old Trafford, despite Real Madrid being his preferred destination earlier this summer.
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