Man Utd target Joao Neves CLOSE to €70m transfer in stunning swap deal

Bence Bocsák

Updated: 18 Jul 2024 11:41 BST
3 min read

Benfica's Joao Neves playing for Portugal — © IMAGO

It's shaping up to be an exciting summer for Manchester United. The club has already brought in a very promising attacker in Joshua Zirkzee and are now closing in on the exciting Leny Yoro.

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And with still over a month to go until the window shuts close, there is the potential for even more arrivals at Old Trafford to come as Ineos look to bolster Erik ten Hag's options.

One player who likely won't be part of that equation is Joao Neves. The Portuguese wonderkid has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past.

Ten Hag's side definitely need a holding midfielder of his ilk and Neves would have ticked a lot of boxes. Since he has emerged in Benfica's first team, he has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Portuguese top flight.

However, instead of moving to England, Neves could now be on his way to France. According to O Jogo in Portugal, Paris Saint Germain are closing on signing the 19 year old.

© IMAGO - Joao Neves is looking likely to sign for PSG.

Renato Sanches could re-join Benfica

Interestingly, the site reports that as well as paying €70m for his services PSG could also sent Renato Sanches the other way which would be a stunning return to his former club for the Portuguese international.

Sanches first made his mark at Benfica back in 2016. He caught the eye at Euro 2016 but he's struggled to live up to the early hype he generated at the beginning of his career.

Now 26 years old, Sanches' return to Benfica will be yet a marker of his wasted potential. It will also serve as a warning to Neves - he will want to avoid the same fate.

For United the focus will shift elsewhere. Ten Hag will be determined to continue finding a holding midfielder and bolstering his squad even further.

Where that search could take the club, remains to be seen.