Man Utd 'advance' in transfer for €120m wonderkid

Suraj Radia

• 9 May 2024 15:30 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are stepping up their chase for one of their top transfer targets, with a big money replacement being lined up for Casemiro this summer.

Casemiro is wanted by Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, who are reportedly considering making a €40 million offer to end the Brazilian’s nightmare at Old Trafford following his recent downturn in form.

United are desperate to offload their older and high-salaried stars this summer in a squad revamp, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to incorporate a policy of signing younger and cheaper players.

READ MORE: 10 players who could join Man Utd this summer

However, United could break the bank to sign long-term target Joao Neves from Benfica, with reports in Portugal suggesting that, while the Premier League side have yet to make a formal offer, a bid is expected to arrive soon.

The front page of Portuguese newspaper Record details United’s pursuit of Neves, claiming the 19-year-old is now the focus of the club, with a move for Benfica teammate Antonio Silva less likely despite previous interest.

Benfica would prefer to keep hold of Neves for one more season and sell Silva instead but, with the midfielder having a release clause of around €100m, the decision may not be in their hands if United choose to pay the full buyout fee.

Neves likely to become record signing for United if deal goes through

Although United are expecting to operate with tight constraints in order to strengthen multiple areas of the squad, Neves is seen as a talent that the club are willing to make a record move for.

Currently United’s top transfer is Paul Pogba’s €105m move from Juventus in 2016 and Neves would cost more than that, with Benfica unwilling to negotiate for a smaller fee.

READ MORE: Man Utd’s 10 most expensive transfers of all time

The sale of Casemiro is likely to accelerate the signing of Neves, with the 32-year-old’s representatives already said to have been approached by Saudi Arabian sides.

Whether or not United will actively look to activate Neves’ clause, though, remains to be seen, with the English side likely to try and play hardball and manage their resources efficiently throughout the summer.