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Manchester United have received a boost in their pursuit of Joao Neves after he rejected a new contract offer from SL Benfica.
The Red Devils are in desperate need of a midfield as players in the middle of the park have struggled all season to provide the necessary balance and protection to a beleaguered and injury-ravaged defence.
Casemiro is likely to leave this summer and the futures of players like Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat are still up in the air.
United have subsequently been linked with talented midfielders such as Youssouf Fofana and Joao Gomes, but none capture the imagination like Benfica prodigy Joao Neves.
It has been reported that Benfica have already rejected a bid from United for the 19-year-old midfielder, with other European giants such as Paris Saint-Germain circling.
Portuguese newspaper Record this morning gave a positive update for any club chasing the player, reporting that “Benfica have made a proposal to Joao Neves to extend his contract, but the midfielder has not accepted it, despite being able to see his wages doubled, to 1 million euros net.”
From the player’s perspective, “the values put on the table are not enough compared to what other players, with much less influence, receive.”’
Benfica certainly have a significant amount of negotiating power as the outstanding midfield talent is protected by a contract until 2028 and a huge €120m release clause.
However, “even if the player is not in a hurry to leave, he also knows that at the moment there are several top European football clubs that present tempting proposals. In other words, a lot can happen this summer and by the end of the transfer market it is possible that there will be no new negotiations.”
Record then lists United and PSG as hunting clubs, and the French side is already opening negotiations.
Neves is currently representing Portugal at Euro 2024 and according to the newspaper, there will be no further talks about a deal until his country’s tournament is over.
He has been described as a “flamboyant talent” who is a “technically capable player” who will look to dictate possession.
Although the teenager is incredibly expensive, his potential midfield partnership with fellow 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo would be delicious for United fans, and having a front-row seat to the pair’s progress would be incredible for United fans.
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