Manchester United receive midfield transfer blow after Bruno Fernandes approval

Manchester United have received a transfer blow regarding a midfield target who received approval from captain Bruno Fernandes.

The Reds are looking to improve several areas of their squad following the decision to keep Erik ten Hag as manager.

One of those is the midfield unit due to Casemiro and Christian Eriksen’s likely exits. It is also probable that the buy-option in Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal is not activated.

Joao Neves from Benfica is one player on United’s radar, and the Old Trafford outfit have reportedly had a £50 million bid rejected for the young star.

The Portuguese midfielder will not be available for anything below £85 million, according to multiple reports.

As well as United, Liverpool are also targeting the talented teenager. However, a recent report by the Portuguese newspaper A Bola reveals that Paris Saint-Germain have entered the competition for his services after making an inquiry.

Although PSG has shown interest, they have not yet made an official offer for Neves but Benfica believe that an offer from the Ligue 1 champions might be forthcoming ‘very soon.’

It was added that Neves has become a ‘priority’ for PSG’s football advisor, Luis Campos, who is well acquainted with the player.

United will be hoping to convince the 19-year-old if they manage to sell well during the coming months. Bruno Fernandes has previously explained why he would like his international teammate to join him at the club.

Speaking to Sport TV last November about the prospect, Fernandes said: “It has to be the Man United coach who says whether he has a place or not. He’s a great player, I don’t know if he would have a place or not. It depends on the coach and his ideas.

“But he’s an excellent player and an excellent kid, very professional. He will have a bright future wherever he goes. I would really like to have him by my side. Because he has quality and will have a bright future. It depends on him. What I want most is the best for him.”