Man Utd face unwelcome PSG interest in teenage prodigy

Robin Bairner

14 Jun 2024 07:15 BST
3 min read

Manchester United have taken more than two weeks to decide that Erik ten Hag will be their manager next season, and now the Red Devils must turn their attentions towards ensuring the Dutchman gets as strong a squad as possible to work with.

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While Man Utd find themselves batting off interest in Kobbie Mainoo – something it appears they will have no problem doing – they are equally seeking to reinforce their midfield with the addition of a second teenage wonderkid.

Benfica star Joao Neves has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, yet with an asking price of more than €100 million, landing the youngster promises to be complicated.

It will have been unwelcomed at Old Trafford, then, to learn of serious interest from PSG in the midfielder.

RMC’s Fabrice Hawkins reports that Neves has become PSG’s “priority” in the summer transfer market.

He reports: “Joao Neves is the priority for Luis Enrique in the midfield, but a deal is very complicated for PSG.

“The two parties have spoken recently. The main problem remains the price asked by Benfica remains more than €100m.”

Joao Neves transfer saga has a long way to run

Such a lofty demand is likely to put suitors off, with Neves protected by his release clause much in the same manner that Napoli are protecting Victor Osimhen by his. PSG, like Man Utd, have been put off moving for the Nigeria star by this huge price tag.

It seems that both clubs are similarly static on the case of Joao Neves for a similar reason, and while there is also interest from Liverpool, Arne Slot’s outfit are also unwilling to spend big on the player.

The situation is not straightforward for Benfica, though. According to reports from Portugal, the player has been left unsettled by the club’s failure to offer him a new contract in line with his importance to the team, suggesting that he could yet seek to force through a transfer this summer.