Joao Neves: Man City identify Manchester United target as ideal replacement for Kevin de Bruyne | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly set to face stiff competition from Manchester City in their bid to sign Benfica star Joao Neves.

Neves is believed to be a prime target for United in their efforts to rejuvenate their midfield department.

Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are looking increasingly likely to be on their way out of Old Trafford and if they do end up leaving, the pair will almost certainly need to be replaced. There is also uncertainty over whether or not United will exercise the option to complete the permanent signing of Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina.

Combine all these with the fact that the Red Devils are also keen on finding the perfect partner for young Kobbie Mainoo and their pursuit of Neves makes sense.

Neves enjoyed a brilliant season with Benfica to force his way into the Portugal squad for Euro 2024. He made two appearances from the bench before the Selecao were dumped out of the competition at the hands of France in the quarter-final stage.

Benfica need to make a big sale to improve their financial situation and their most sellable asset is undoubtedly Neves, who has a release clause worth €120m in his contract.

It was stated that United’s opening offer for Neves – worth around €60m – was rejected by Benfica. A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that a second improved bid from the 20-time English champions to the tune of €70m was also rebuffed, with the Liga NOS outfit once again pointing United to Neves’ astronomical release clause.

According to Sunday’s edition of O Jogo (via SportWitness), Neves is also on the radar of reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

Neves “gains strength” at City, who view him as an ideal option to replace Kevin de Bruyne, who is flirting with the idea of completing a big-money switch to the Saudi Pro League.

O’Jogo note that Neves is a different type of player from De Bruyne but this is not exactly putting them off because he’s still young and is one for the future.

United have “taken concrete steps” and are ahead of City in the race for the Portuguese wonderkid.

Paris Saint-Germain have also been previously mentioned as an interested party in Neves.

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