Benfica footballer Joao Neves. (Picture Credit: Instagram/@joao_neves87)
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, the Red Devils now want to sign PSG’s Uruguayan defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, who joined the club last year from Sporting CP.
Manchester United have reportedly turned their back on Benfica midfielder Joao Neves. He was initially seen as an ideal fit for the Old Trafford-based club, where he would link up with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Benfica set an asking price of £84 million for the talented youngster. Manchester United are against spending such a hefty amount on a midfielder.
According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo, the Red Devils have now shifted their focus from Neves to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte. Courtesy of Benfica’s firm valuation, the Premier League club is unlikely to submit any further bid for the Portugal international.
PSG are also keen to rope in Joao Neves this summer. With Manchester United out of the race, the French outfit may now easily clinch the deal. Neves has now become one of the top priorities for PSG, as manager Luis Enrique believes the youngster will add significant strength to his midfield. Manchester City have reportedly kept their eyes on Neves as well. The Premier League champions, however, have not yet made any strong offers for the 19-year-old.
If Neves joins PSG this summer, it may make it easy for Ugarte to secure an exit from the French club. The 23-year-old Uruguay international featured in the ongoing Copa America and made it to the semi-finals under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa.
Meanwhile, Neves has already established himself as one of the brightest midfield prospects in the world at a tender age. He represented Portugal in the Euro 2024. Cristiano Ronaldo’s side crashed out of the European Championship following a quarter-final loss to France.
Neves was absent from the line-ups of Portugal’s first two Euro group games. He played the match against Georgia, which his team lost by two goals. Neves warmed the bench as an unused substitute in the quarter-final clash, as Portugal played out a goalless 120 minutes. They eventually exited the tournament on penalties.
While Neves’ potential deal has collapsed, Manchester United are close to completing the transfers of Erik Ten Hag’s former disciple Matthijs de Ligt and Bologna striker Joshua Zirkee. The Red Devils are signing Zirkzee on a £34 million deal. They are also reportedly planning to part ways with veteran midfielder Casemiro this summer.
Stay updated with the latest from Euro 2024. Explore Euro 2024 Match Today. Check Updated list of Highest Goal-Scorer in Euro 2024. CheckEuro 2024 Points Table and Euro 2024 Match Results and Euro 2024 Match Schedule .