Journalist confirms Man United’s £51m bid as what club “don’t want” is explained

Portuguese journalist Sergio Krithinas has confirmed that Manchester United brought forward an offer of £51 million for Joao Neves as their Bruno Fernandes stance is clarified.

Manchester United are looking to secure their midfield with a greater variety of talent this summer as INEOS looks to rebuild the heart of Old Trafford around Kobbie Mainoo.

It is no surprise that Mainoo has been touted as the future of midfield at United, considering his immense talent. However, such talent has to be complemented in order to thrive, and United is busy in the market for a solution.

Read More: Harry Maguire explains what Man United will do in full statement following England omission

Reports from Portugal this week have mentioned that United have tabled an offer for Benfica’s Joao Neves. The talented 18-year-old is reportedly a target for the Manchester club, and Sergio Krithinas, a journalist for Record Sport, has now confirmed this.

“Jorge Mendes (Neves’ agent) brought an offer of around £51m from Manchester United for Benfica’s Joao Neves, but the club turned it down,” he said on The Transfers Podcast. “They want at least £85m.”

Bruno Fernandes has previously raved about the talents of Neves, highlighting his quality as a player both for Benfica and the Portugal national team.

He told Sport TV last year: “I don’t know if United rumours are true, but I know he is ready for that big jump. I would love to have him at United. But it’s Joao’s choice… He has top quality.

“He is an excellent player, and he’s with the national team… that’s also why the big clubs are after him.”

Fernandes himself has been the subject of reported transfer interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona, but Duncan Castles, a writer for the Sunday Times, has clarified his future from United’s perspective.

“Manchester United do not want to go down the route of selling Bruno Fernandes this summer,” Castles said on the podcast.

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