Benfica midfielder Joao Neves is not interested in joining Manchester City or Manchester United, according to A BOLA (via Sport Witness).
The Portuguese tabloid believes that the 19-year-old now has his heart set on a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
It is believed that PSG have had €70m (£59m) rejected by Benfica but even if the two Manchester clubs come in with bids to hijack the transfer, it appears Neves will turn down any approach. Fans on X think the Portuguese international is making the wrong decision:
Lack of ambition right there!
— Paul Lawrenson (@Lawro1975) July 19, 2024
If true you have to question if he has the mentality to play for us.
— sportsfan (@sportsfan4city) July 19, 2024
Wow if he goes there it’s wasted potential
— Yoshue (@lilkaiser22) July 19, 2024
Good luck with demolishing his career.
— marjack90 (@marjack90) July 19, 2024
His loss
— AcerosMCFC (@Aceros_21) July 19, 2024
The feelings mutual. We want Bruno
— TRiXz (@TRiXz_2K) July 19, 2024
Wow, not city or united, psg must have made him a very good offer
— T wizzy (@Egusisoupboy) July 19, 2024
Neves could still stay at Benfica
Although the midfielder seems to be determined to join PSG, his current club will have the final say. There is a release clause in his contract and Benfica are keen for it to be paid in full.
Considering the buyout fee stands at €120m (£101m), there remains a massive gap between the two clubs’ valuations so there is a chance that Neves could end up staying where he is.
Are City looking at any other midfielders?
Reports in the German and Spanish press have linked the Premier League champions with an approach for RB Leipzig’s Dani Olmo but, with his €60m (£50.5m) clause expiring this weekend, a transfer seems unlikely.
Bruno Guimaraes is still believed to be on the club’s radar but Newcastle are expected to hold out for a fee in excess of £100m.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here
