It seems as though Manchester United may end up funding another club’s move for one of INEOS’ top midfield targets.
The Old Trafford faithful will be well aware that United have long been linked with Joao Neves of Benfica. Especially given that at the start of the month, reports circulated claiming the Reds – along with Paris Saint-Germain – had tabled a £59 million bid for the starlet, who has a £101m release clause embedded into his current contract terms.
Alas, United’s proposal was swiftly rebuffed by club president Rui Costa. He reiterated that in order to sanction Neves’ exit this summer, interested sides must put their money where their mouths are and fork out his full buyout clause.
Such statements don’t correspond with his latest comments, though. He has recently spoken out to confirm that Benfica are mulling over a bid they’ve received for the 19-year-old, despite it being significantly lower than his asking price.
“I never said that Joao Neves would only leave for his release clause and therefore, those claims are false,” Costa began, as per A Bola. “What I can say in relation to Joao Neves is that there is an offer on the table. That has been in the news in the last days, but I’m not going to say where this proposal stands.
“There is a proposal on the table which is being evaluated and is being discussed. But at this moment, Joao Neves remains a Benfica player. It’s not that I want to hide the ins and outs, because I understand that Benfica fans want to know whether Joao will be leaving or not.
“But at this moment, there are ongoing negotiations, so please allow me to be reserved about this subject so we can take care of what will be the best outcome for Benfica.”
Read more: INEOS launch ‘forceful’ pursuit of standout Euro 2024 star before his £52m release clause expires
Puzzling Benfica U-turn could see PSG pip United to priority target
Seemingly referring to PSG’s £59m offer, it begs the question why theirs is being considered while United’s was quickly cast aside.
INEOS, meanwhile, are working on a deal to sign the French outfit’s midfield ace Manuel Ugarte, having agreed personal terms with the player on Thursday evening. It’s thought that PSG want to recuperate as close to – if not all of – the £51.1m they paid for this time last year.
You can only assume that they would then use the funds to sanction a deal for Neves as United, in turn, miss out entirely.
