Neves to Old Trafford? Manchester United battle competition & high price tag
Manchester United have been linked with a move for SL Benfica midfielder Joao Neves as the Red Devils look to add arsenal to their midfield in the upcoming summer transfer window.
There has been a need for new faces in the middle of the park at Old Trafford following underwhelming performances in the recently concluded season where the Manchester Reds were caught out in midfield on multiple occasions. This played a domino effect on the results in a dramatic manner.
With Casemiro linked with a Manchester United exit, complemented by Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal concluding at Old Trafford, there is a distant need for a new midfielder at the club, which opens up space for Joao Neves on United’s roster.
First mover advantage? Bernardo tries otherwise
Sealing a transfer for Joao Neves would not be easy, as multiple clubs, including Premier League rivals Manchester City and Arsenal, have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old in the upcoming summer transfer window. French giants Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed interest in sealing his signatures. However, United have already made the first move, as Benfica has recently rejected an offer worth €60 million (£51 million) for the midfielder from the Reds, per the Portuguese newspaper Record.
Benfica sporting director Rui Costa intends on his valuation of €100 million (£85 million) for the player.
While United try to get his signatures, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva is looking to influence the 19-year-old’s decision and try to make him move to Etihad Stadium instead. The former Monaco man insists that he should join Pep Guardiola & Co. in an exclusive interview (h/t Goal):
“I told him to go to Manchester City,” Silva said, speaking to reporters (h/t GOAL). “It’s not easy. He’s a player who, due to the success he had last season, has many clubs that want him. As a Portuguese player, I appreciate him, and I would like to see him by my side. But I want the best for him. I don’t need to convince him.
“Joao Neves is already convincing with the way he works and with the energy he brings to the game. It will be easy for many clubs to enter the race. Let him make his decision; let it be the best for him. If he continues with this energy, he has a very good future ahead of him.”
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It is to be seen if Silva’s words influence Neves’ bid to move to Manchester United.
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