Manchester United Bid for Portuguese Star Gets Rejected
By Kavin Kumar
Joao Neves' stunning midfield displays have made him a transfer target for clubs across Europe and everyone is desperate to do a deal for him. But negotiating with S.L. Benfica will not be an easy task as Manchester United have learned in their recent pursuit of the 19-year-old.
United's transfer move for Joao Neves hits a roadblock
According to reports from the Portuguese outlet Record (via Sport Witness) Manchester United had submitted a bid of £51 million for Joao Neves. However, Benfica considered the bid to be too low and rejected it immediately. The Portuguese club is willing to do business only on bids that are around £85 million. The encouraging news for potential suitors is that this sum is lower than Neves' release clause which is around £102 million. The youngster is also being watched by other European powerhouses such as Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and PSG.
It is quite doubtful if United can pay such a huge amount to get Neves as they aren't in the strongest financial position of late. The club's cost-cutting measures under the guidance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been grabbing headlines and it remains to be seen to what extent they would go to sign the youngster. Perhaps, the sale of a few first-team players can bring them some much-needed funds.
The future of Manchester United's midfield is currently clouded in doubt as their players are being linked with moves to other clubs. Reports linking Casemiro with a Saudi move have emerged lately. Caught offside states that Al Nassr are prepared to pay £76-85 million for the 32-year-old midfielder. If such a bid arrives United would sell Casemiro without any hesitation.
But the more worrying news is that of Bruno Fernandes being linked with other clubs, notably Bayern Munich. According to the Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, the German club have begun talks with the United captain's representatives. Bruno was instrumental in helping United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Manchester United fans would be nurturing dreams of seeing Neves along with Mainoo and Bruno in their midfield next season. They would be devastated if their captain left for greener pastures.