United force European club’s hand into lowering asking price for target after failed £51m bid

Manchester United have reportedly seen a £51 million bid for Joao Neves swiftly rebuffed by Benfica.

The Red Devils are seemingly keen on pipping their noses in front of their Premier League rivals in pursuit of Neves, who is attracting interest from Liverpool and Arsenal.

Of course, both clubs are able to offer the 19-year-old starlet something that United can’t: Champions League football in 2024/2025. It’s a competition that Neves will undoubtedly be looking to gain experience in, given that he’s shown on countless occasions that he has the quality to play among Europe’s elite.

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Still, United have opted to test Benfica’s resolve ahead of the transfer window officially opening (June 14) with an offer of €60m, as per Portuguese outlet Record. The bid was, expectedly, rejected, but club president Rui Costa is willing to consider a price tag below Neves’ £105m release clause and as close to £85m as possible.

Costa may change his mind depending on how Neves fares at the Euros, though, as he has been named in Roberto Martinez’s squad for Germany. Playing an integral role and impressing on the international stage would only see the young midfielder attract more interest, and Benfica are notorious for not letting their talents go cheap.