Barcelona helpless in Joao Neves race as his agent Joao Mendes works on a Man United move | OneFootball

Manchester United reportedly have the upper hand over Barcelona in the race to sign Benfica wonderkid Joao Neves ahead of the summer transfer window.

Midfield is believed to be an area of the pitch Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are keen on reinforcing, especially if Casemiro and Christian Eriksen depart the club.

Casemiro continues to be strongly linked with a switch to the Saudi Pro League while Eriksen – who recently revealed that he is unhappy with the playing time afforded to him since the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo – is thought to be on the radar of Galatasaray.

Neves has been repeatedly mentioned to be a prime target for United and he has admirers at Old Trafford.

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils are even prepared to break their record fee for a midfielder to lure Neves to Old Trafford.

It was stated that Erik ten Hag’s side have set aside more than €100 million to get a deal for Neves over the line in the coming months.

A fresh report has claimed that United have settled on Neves as their priority alternative in the middle of the park and his agent, Jorge Mendes, wishes to take him to the 20-time English champions for a fee in the region of €80m (£68m).

In addition to this, it’s understood that United have an advantage “without Barca being able to do anything”. The Blaugrana “are not willing to pay” Benfica’s €80m minimum asking price, which effectively rules them out of the running to land him.

Mendes is eager to ensure his client plays for “a much more powerful club” than Benfica – United certainly fit this profile.

The report also notes that United “intend” to buy Neves in the summer with Casemiro’s “days numbered” in England. For Neves, Barca “will not be his next adventure.”

The 19-year-old midfielder has made 52 appearances for his side this term across all competitions.

In that time, he has registered three goals and two assists.

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