Manchester United are confirmed to be missing out on the signing of Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, as the Eagles' president has announced that he is set to join Paris Saint-Germain.
The 19-year-old has established a reputation as one of the most talented engine room prospects on the planet thanks to his rapid rise to prominence with Benfica, whom he has already played 75 times for.
Neves has scored four goals and set up three more from his deep-lying position for the Eagles, winning the 2022-23 Primeira Liga title in addition to this year's Portuguese Super Cup.
After conjuring up three goals and two assists from 55 matches last season, the 2004-born prospect unsurprisingly forced his way into Portugal's Euro 2024 squad, featuring twice as the Selecao reached the quarter-finals.
Man United were formerly considered one of the leading contenders to sign Neves, who signed a new Benfica deal until 2028 last summer, and that agreement included a release clause of circa £101m.
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Benfica chief confirms Neves's PSG move
Amid claims that Benfica would not allow Neves to leave unless that nine-figure option was triggered in full, Man United - who were apparently knocked back a couple of times - ended up cooling their interest.
The Red Devils backing off allowed Paris Saint-Germain to swoop in, and it was reported earlier this week that the French champions had struck a deal to bring him to Paris for €70m (£59.7m).
That deal has now been confirmed by Benfica's president Rui Costa, who insisted that the Eagles could not turn down such an offer, having already rubbished claims that Neves would only leave if his release clause was triggered.
"Yes, it's all done. It's sad to see Joao leaving us; he's a top player and top guy, but we can't reject a €70m package as of today. It's simple, we can't say no," Costa told the press.
In a previous conference a couple of weeks ago, Costa addressed the £101m rumours, saying: "I never said that Joao Neves would only leave for his €120 million (£101 million) release clause, and therefore, those claims are false."
Man United could still benefit from Neves snub
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Man United focussing on the captures of Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro allowed PSG to strike a deal for Neves, whom the Red Devils could have certainly afforded at the start of the summer.
However, Erik ten Hag's side could actually benefit from that agreement between Benfica and PSG, who may be more open to selling Manuel Ugarte once Neves is through the door.
Both players are most comfortable in the number six position, but with head coach Luis Enrique usually opting for just one deep-lying midfielder in a 4-3-3, Ugarte may need to leave if he wants regular minutes elsewhere.
Man United are thought to have agreed personal terms with the Uruguay international, whom PSG could now lower their asking price for amid claims that they are after around £51m to sanction a sale.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi and free agent Adrien Rabiot - whom Man United came close to signing in 2022 - are both alternative options for Ten Hag.
Ben Knapton
