Man Utd have submitted a formal £59million offer for Joao Neves, but Benfica have decided to reject the bid for the Portuguese.
As per today’s version of Correio da Manha (news image provided below), the Red Devils and French champions, PSG, moved in with proposals worth 70 million euros (£59million) for the Eagles star.
Read – Man Utd agree deal to sign £280,000 a year CL winner – Report
However, Benfica president, Rui Costa, wants to hold on to the 19-year-old defensive midfielder and has turned both the offers down.
The renowned media outlet have revealed that the Primeira Liga giants will only part ways with Joao Neves if the suitors end up activating the release clause in his contract.
The teenager’s current deal with the Lisbon club will expire in 2028 and it has an enormous exit clause of 120 million euros.
So, Man Utd will have to break their club transfer record to hire the services of Joao Neves.
CM Jornal claim, other Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal have also shown interest in luring the play breaker.
However, Man Utd is the only team from England to ‘formalize the proposal’ for signing Neves in the summer transfer window.
The 20-time English champions are seriously looking to reinforce their DM position and reports have also indicated they are expected to make an offer for Manuel Ugarte.
For now, Neves is on national duty at the European Championships and thus far, he has made two appearances in the competition.
He was an unused substitute in the Round of 16 contest against Slovenia that Portugal eventually won on penalty kicks.
Have your say – Should Man Utd raise the offer and meet the 120 million euros clause to sign Joao Neves?
Ugarte is cheaper and better