Man United make final €70m offer for sensational midfielder with plan-B move for PSG star

Man United make final €70m offer for sensational midfielder with plan-B move for PSG star

While Manchester United is prepared to abandon a move for Joao Neves after seeing an improved bid rejected, they have learned that a top summer target could move to Old Trafford this summer for half the price initially expected if Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to play the long game.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has begun work on what may be the most pivotal summers in the history of the team.

A number of significant hires have been made behind the scenes to help transform Manchester United and put the team on what they think will be a return to glory, even though Erik ten Hag has inked a new contract to remain as manager.

Manchester United intends to pursue four to five stellar signings this summer to strengthen their side, with one, possibly two central defenders, a midfielder, a striker and a right-winger all on their shopping list.

The Red Devils are also understood to have narrowed their midfield wanted list down to two players, though efforts to sign one of these in Joao Neves is proving far trickier than expected.

The teenage star has enjoyed a brilliant season with Benfica to force his way into the Portugal squad for Euro 2024, appearing twice off the bench during the competition which has now seen them eliminated on a penalty shootout to France.

With Benfica admitting they will likely need a major sale this summer to help balance the books, United first made an approach early for Neves – who has a €120m (£101.7m) exit clause in his deal, with their opening offer reportedly worth €60m (£50.8m).

After seeing that rejected, United have this week raised their bid to €70m (£59.3m), which Benfica have again refused, pointing United once again towards the 19-year-old’s release clause.

However, reports in Portugal now claim United will not be making a third offer, informing the Portuguese giants that their final bid is a take-it-or-leave-it one.

In return, Benfica president Rui Costa is thought to be ‘uncompromising’ in his stance over the sale of his ‘vital’ star, though could yet come back to the negotiating table if nothing more substantial comes their way.

United also face a waiting game over a second midfield target in Manuel Ugarte.

Currently away on Copa America duty with Uruguay, the 23-year-old has proved one of the star’s of the tournament so far, with his credentials set to be tested on Sunday evening in a crack quarter-final tie against Brazil.