Manchester United are the club most interested in signing Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves this summer, according to reports in Portugal.
Neves had a breakout season at Benfica and earned a place in Portugal s 26-man squad for Euro 2024.
There have been rumours linking him with a move to the Premier League all season and with the Portuguese outfit needing to sell this summer, rumours are accelerating.
Arsenal, and Man City are all reportedly interested in signing the 19-year-old midfielder, who played the full 90 minutes as Portugal beat Finland 4-2 in a pre-tournament friendly on Tuesday.
He will cost a pretty penny, with Benfica reluctant to sell for less than his €120million (£102million) release clause.
MORE ON BENFICA SALES FROM F365
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Transfermarkt says he is worth €55m (£46.7m) and it has been reported that Man Utd have made a bid worth £51m.
Benfica rejected the offer from the Red Devils and are eager, as we say, to receive a fee worth over €100m.
The Premier League giants are expected to come back in for Neves and reports coming from Portugal state that they are the one of the most interested clubs, with , Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich also keen.
It is noted that it is a matter of time before the pressure gets to Benfica as they cling to the release clause which they know hardly any club will reach .
Two English clubs have informed Benfica of their desire to pay £51m for the player and Man Utd and Arsenal are the only two clubs mentioned in the report, hinting that Mikel Arteta s side have offered the same amount as their Premier League rivals.
In another boost to both clubs, the Portuguese club have failed to agree a new contract with Neves.
The salary put on the table is considerably lower than that of some of the highest paid players in the squad and did not reflect the importance that the midfielder already has in the team , leaving an extension and higher release clause unlikely .
Agreeing fresh terms is not closed but it does not look like negotiations will re-open following Neves rejection.
Club President Rui Costa has confirmed that Benfica need to sell players this summer which also softens their stance.
Costa had hoped that the value of centre-back Antonio Silva would soar but that is not the case, meaning they are very unlikely to receive the fee they had initially expected .
The report adds: This situation could put even more pressure on the Reds with regard to the situation of Joao Neves. And on the other hand, sooner or later, the youngster will also be faced with the opportunity to be able to play in the Premier League, with an incomparably higher salary.
