Man Utd face 'serious' Neves threat - but Ten Hag will benefit from deal

Tom Weber

• Updated: 15 Jul 2024 06:56 BST
• 3 min read

PSG have a 'serious' interest in Joao Neves, but this is not all bad news for Manchester United, according to a report.

The Red Devils have been keen on the Benfica wonderkid since last summer. Neves was thrust into the first team after January 2023 when Enzo Fernandez was sold to Chelsea for a then-British-record €121 million.

The youngster didn't look out of place and put himself on the radar of Europe's elite, with Man Utd at the front of the queue for the past 12 months. Little concrete other than routine scouting missions has thus far materialised, however.

READ MORE: Man Utd set for fresh Sancho transfer talks despite Ten Hag U-turn - Romano

That is because Neves boasts a €120m release clause and Benfica insists on that figure being paid. Man Utd don't have the funds for this and this has led them to consider other options, chief among them Manuel Ugarte.

It is a good thing, then, that the Uruguayan's club, PSG, are also keen on Neves.

Neves to unlock Ugarte?

Man Utd have been in talks with Ugarte and PSG regarding a deal, but the French giants have thus far rebuffed any and all approaches. PSG are trying to recoup the €60m they paid out to Sporting CP last year for the 23-year-old.

Man Utd, having just spent €42.5m on Joshua Zirkzee and being in advanced talks for Matthijs de Ligt, may not have the budget straight away to accede to PSG's demands. However, the Parisians may soften their stance a touch should they land Neves.

READ MORE: Romano confirms Man Utd interest in ex-Real Madrid wonderkid

According to Ben Jacobs, PSG are 'serious' about their interest in the Portuguese talent, though they too are not prepared to trigger his hefty exit clause. Instead, the Ligue 1 champions are willing to go as high as €75m in formal negotiations, but it is doubtful whether Benfica would accept this.

Nevertheless, the pursuit of Neves, as Jacobs points out, is the main reason why they may be willing to accept suitable bids for Ugarte. So, while one door may have closed for Man Utd with Neves, another has opened.