Benfica respond to Man United’s improved offer for £100m-rated star and perfect ‘Kobbie Mainoo partner’ after two new bids

Benfica respond to Man United’s improved offer for £100m-rated star and perfect ‘Kobbie Mainoo partner’ after two new bids

Benfica have rejected Manchester United’s latest offer for midfield star Joao Neves, according to reports in Portugal.

Although they have inquired about a deal involving Manuel Ugarte of Paris Saint-Germain, United is seeking to sign a new holding midfield player this summer and has long admired Neves.

According to reports from June, Benfica quickly rejected United’s initial offer of €60 million (£51 million) for the 19-year-old. According to Correio da Manhã, a fresh offer worth €70 million (£60 million) has been turned down.

The Portuguese powerhouses are rumored to have rejected identical bids from United and PSG.

Neves’ contract contains a release clause worth €120 million (£105 million), which Chelsea was ultimately had to pay in order to wrest Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023.

Neves replaced Fernandez in their midfield and been a mainstay in the side ever since, currently with the Portugal squad at Euro 2024.

Benfica remain determined to hold onto their prized asset but could be willing to negotiate on a price following the European Championship.

United are the only Premier League side make an offer for Neves so far but both Chelsea and Arsenal have also shown interest in the Portuguese starlet.

With Erik ten Hag signing a contract extension until 2026 and Dan Ashworth now in place as sporting director, United are expected to step up their transfer business in the coming weeks.

The club are currently in talks with Bayern Munich over a deal to sign defender Matthijs de Ligt, hopeful of wrapping up a deal worth £40m.

United also remain interested in Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite but are not willing to meet the Toffee’s £70m valuation for the centre-half.

A number of players are expected to be moved on with Casemiro among them, leaving a space in midfield to be filled this summer.

United also hope to cash in Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho with the futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also uncertain