Manchester United and Manchester City have been dealt a blow in their pursuit for Joao Neves, according to reports in Portugal.
United have been long-term admirers of the 19-year-old and were tipped to sign him as a successor to Casemiro, whose future is uncertain at Old Trafford. The Reds have already reportedly had two approaches rebuffed by Benfica, an opening bid of £51million and a second bid worth £59m earlier this month.
City, meanwhile, are also credited with an interest but are not thought to have made a bid for Neves’ services yet. Nonetheless, he talented youngster is expected to secure a big-money move this window after breaking into Benfica’s first-team last season.
He has a release clause worth around €120m (£100m). With United also interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, that leaves the door open for the French giants to sign the midfielder.
They have made Neves a priority signing despite seeing a bid rejected. It now appears that the French giants are close to striking a deal.
The newspaper writes: “PSG have made Joao Neves a priority for the new season and are want to complete a deal in the next days. They have submitted a new offer of €70m, though it is not clear if that includes add-ons.
