Joao Neves’ move to Paris Saint-Germain is now a ‘done deal’ according to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, in turn, putting to bed the midfielder’s links with Manchester United.
Indeed, the Red Devils had established themselves among a host of clubs targeting the sought-after starlet over the past year, yet now stand to miss out after PSG made Benfica a proposal they couldn’t refuse.
In order to bypass Neves’ release clause and prise him from Portugal this year, the Parisians offered a €70 million (£58.9m) package which sees Renato Sanchez also moving the other way.
INEOS chiefs are still actively scouring the market for a midfield addition to bolster Erik ten Hag’s options – irrespective of whether the much-maligned Casemiro is sold before deadline day.
Why Neves’ Parc des Princes switch may impact United’s plans
As a result, United have found themselves in pursuit of Manuel Ugarte, whom PSG will now presumably be looking to shift after forking out a hefty fee for 19-year-old Neves.
Personal terms are agreed between the Reds and Ugarte, and he has given his green light to the move. However, they are unwilling to meet his £59m price tag as it stands.
