Manchester United handed mixed updates on Erik ten Hag’s two £100m transfer targets

Manchester United have been handed some mixed transfer updates on two key Erik ten Hag targets for the next summer window.

The Reds have signed a wide range of talent for Ten Hag since he took charge ahead of the 2022 summer, and the upcoming windows will be equally important to the progression of the side at Old Trafford.

However, under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, there is expected to be a new setup at the club. A fresh sporting director is likely to take the majority of control in terms of transfer authority.

Yet, two players seem like key targets for the club for the upcoming windows. Portuguese and Benfica duo Antonio Silva and Joao Neves fit the age and talent bracket of players that United should be looking for.

In fact, Bruno Fernandes has stated that he would ‘love’ 19-year-old Neves to join him at Old Trafford. The talented midfielder is reported to have a release clause of around £100 million.

Yet, the more important potential acquisition would arguably be 20-year-old Silva, who is a young and superbly talented centre-back who plays on the right side.

United are in desperate need of quality in that position. Both Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane are past their best years and unlikely to be long-term options at the club.

The latest news from Florian Plettenberg has stated that United hope to get at least one of the two Portuguese stars in the next summer transfer window.

It was added that Silva remains the ‘absolute top target’ for those at Old Trafford and that the defender, who has a release clause of £86 million, is ‘very likely’ to leave Benfica.

However, on the other hand, the report also explained that the Portuguese club are confident that Neves could instead stay at the Estádio da Luz for one more season.

United’s strategy in the transfer market could adjust when Sir Jim Ratcliffe officially comes in and brings in different personnel. However, these are two players that very much suit the direction that United should be going in, with the price point being the only potential sticking point.