Man United handed Joao Neves transfer concern as Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'draws up plan'

Manchester United have been heavily linked with a transfer for Benfica midfielder Joao Neves as Casemiro's future at the club remains in doubt

Manchester United will reportedly face competition from PSG to sign Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer.

The 19-year-old midfielder has been heavily praised in Portugal and his club have admitted that they expect interest from around Europe for his services. Earlier this year, the Portuguese club namechecked United after reports suggested the Reds had bid for Neves.

Benfica refuted these suggestions and declared they had received no formal offers for their player. Since then, rumours have been sparked that United are interested in the youngster but that his club would want £100m to depart with him this summer.

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Their hope is that the teenager will stay in Portugal for at least another year. According to A Bola, PSG are wanting to catch an advantage on United and make a bid for Neves 'very soon'.

It is understood the Parisiens have been gearing up to make an offer for some weeks now and have even contacted Benfica about their view on a possible transfer. Elsewhere, it is being reported that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is drawing up a plan to beat Arsenal to the signature of Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

Like Neves, Zubimendi is a defensive midfielder who has enjoyed an impressive campaign. At 25, he is more developed than Neves and has been firmly linked with Mikel Arteta's team.

According to TeamTalk, Ratcliffe is looking to swoop in and take Zubimendi from underneath the Gunners' noses. It is believed the co-owner is preparing a €45m (£38m) bid.

This will reportedly be considered an unsatisfactory offer though with the La Liga club thought to be wanting €60m (£51m) which is the value of his release clause. The Spaniard made 45 appearances in all competitions which helped earn him a call-up to the Euros.

Zubimendi came on in the last few moments to replace Manchester City midfielder Rodri as Spain beat Croatia 3-0 on Saturday night.