Man Utd will face a challenge from PSG in their bid to sign brilliant young Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves, according to reports from Spain today (Monday June 17, 2024).
The 19-year-old prodigy has been brilliant since bursting into the Benfica first team – leading the Lisbon giants to a league title in 2022-23.
But now most of Europe’s top clubs are circling in the knowledge that Benfica will likely sell IF the price is right.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 – All the Done Deals
Man Utd are confirmed Joao Neves admirers, and reportedly opened the bidding with an offer of €60m last week. That was swiftly rebuffed with Benfica holding out for the €120m release clause in Neves’ current contract.
PSG are now set to enter the fray though, with the French giants and Luis Enrique giving the green light for a swoop according to Madrid daily AS.
It is believed that Benfica realise that €120m figure is unlikely to be achieved, but are ready to do business at around €100m.
Leny Yoro LATEST as Man Utd face PSG challenge
Manchester United target Leny Yoro has spoken to Paris Saint-Germain regarding a possible transfer from Lille.
The 18-year-old is set to be involved in a transfer tug-of-war this summer amid significant interest in his services, but Real Madrid remain his most likely destination.
It has previously been suggested that Los Blancos are unwilling to overpay for the teenager, but they remain in pole position to sign Yoro before the summer transfer window ends.
Man Utd are still interested in landing the Lille defender, however they have an uphill battle to sign him due to competition from Real Madrid and PSG.
Erik ten Hag’s side are also keen on Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and the Red Devils are currently prioritising a move for the Toffees star.
Barca holding out hope for unlikely Kobbie Mainoo transfer
Barcelona remain interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, according to reports in Spain.
The England international, who is currently at Euro 2024 with his nation, starred during his debut campaign in Man Utd’s first-team and he has attracted significant interest from Barcelona as a result.
Mainoo made 35 appearances in his first ever season of senior football, scoring five goals and providing three assists. He has been named as one of Man Utd’s ‘untouchable’ stars in recent weeks, but Barcelona are monitoring his situation at Old Trafford as they ponder a summer pursuit.
According to Diario Sport, Man Utd’s prolonged contract talks with Mainoo have given Barcelona hope of securing a deal and Deco, the Blaugrana’s sporting director, is keen to bring the Englishman to Camp Nou.
Mainoo’s current deal at Man Utd runs until 2027, but he is in talks with the club regarding a new contract, with his salary expected to increase dramatically. However, an agreement is yet to be reached and Barca believe there is a chance that Mainoo could be available this summer.
Ten Hag drops Tuchel BOMBSHELL after keeping his Man Utd job
We now know that Erik ten Hag will remain as Manchester United manage for the 2024-25 season, despite massive speculation he would be relieved of his duties after a disappointing second season in charge.
One of the main reported targets to replace ten Hag was of course former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel.
And ten Hag has now revealed that United did in fact speak to Tuchel, before apparently deciding to maintain the status quo in M16.
Speaking to NOS, Ten Hag said: “Manchester United have told me that they spoke with Tuchel, but they eventually came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager.”
The Dutchman added: “Manchester United and I still have to find an agreement for the new contract. This isn’t easily done, we are still going to have to talk about this.”
Lindelof a Mourinho target as former Man Utd boss set to swoop
Manchester United could receive a massive boost to their summer transfer plans courtesy of former manager Jose Mourinho, who is looking to bring one of his old players to Fenerbahce.
Mourinho was appointed manager of the Turkish side earlier this month and the Portuguese legend appears to have wasted no time in making his demands for the transfer market.
The 61-year-old spent two years at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018, with one of his major signings being Victor Lindelof from Benfica for €35 million in 2017.
READ MORE: Man Utd add two more players to make six ‘untouchables’ – but Fernandes still isn’t one
And the Swedish international is said to be ‘the first name’ on Mourinho’s list to strengthen in defence at Fenerbahce, with Turkish outlet Fotomac claiming an attempt to sign Lindelof has already begun.
Lindelof made just 14 Premier League starts last season and is entering the final 12 months of his contract with United, with Fener likely to make an offer of €8m for the 29-year-old.