Manchester United give up pursuit of Portuguese star with astronomical release clause

Benfica midfielder Joao Neves has been the subject of interest from Manchester United this summer.

The young midfielder, who stars in midfield for Portugal, has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford over the last few months.

We’ve always been sceptical of a deal due to Benfica’s asking price – and how they took north of £100m from Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez not long ago.

If we’re learning anything new about United this summer, it is that we won’t have wool pulled over our eyes in the transfer market.

According to O Jogo, as cited by the Manchester Evening News, United have ‘given up’ trying to sign Neves.

It is understood that Neves’ release clause is – like Fernandez before him – north of £100m.

United are reportedly set to focus on Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who was part of the Uruguay side that suffered Copa America elimination at the hands of Colombia.

Erik ten Hag and his new recruitment team at United should be scanning the market for the best Casemiro replacement available at a reasonable price.

It remains to be seen if any club will pay Neves’ astronomical release clause.

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