Man Utd could be using Joao Neves as a smokescreen for a different signing
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Manchester United have been strongly linked with Benfica sensation Joao Neves as he continues his meteoric rise to prominence for club and country. But fresh reports may suggest Erik ten Hag is using the Portugal international as a smokescreen for his actual priority midfield transfer target.
Neves has taken European football by storm since his Benfica debut at the end of last year and is primed to be the Portuguese champions’ next big-money sale.
The 19-year-old has a £103million release clause in his contract, which United are reportedly convinced they should trigger next year.
Ten Hag is expected to target further midfield upgrades in his third summer transfer window as Red Devils manager.
Casemiro and Christian Eriksen turn 32 next year, while Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay’s futures are also uncertain.
United recruited Mason Mount for £60m and Sofyan Amrabat on a season-long loan this summer.
But RMC Sport claim the Old Trafford giants failed with a swoop for AS Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana before landing Amrabat on deadline day. Fresh reports suggest he is still a subject of serious interest.
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According to Calciomercato, United scouts were present at France’s 2-2 draw against Greece on Tuesday night, during which Fofana scored a second-half equaliser to rescue a point.
The 24-year-old also found the net and provided an assist in last week’s record 14-0 victory over Gibraltar.
The report claims Fofana’s display in Athens left a mark on United’s representatives and Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli.
Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also credited with an interest, but it’s suggested that it would be difficult for the Serie A outfit to fend off the rival interest.
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That’s good news for United, who reportedly looked to secure Fofana’s services on a season-long loan with an option to buy before abandoning their pursuit.
Monaco wasn’t ready to accept the terms on the table at the end of a window, in which £190m spent left Ten Hag cash-strapped as he searched for late reinforcements.
Fofana is said to be valued at £26m, not much higher than the £17m fee United would need to hand Fiorentina to sign Amrabat in a permanent deal next summer.
But the Moroccan has failed to impress at the start of his Red Devils career, which could tempt Ten Hag to turn his focus to having a second go at getting Fofana through the door.
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