Benfica chief breaks silence on Joao Neves transfer amid Manchester United and PSG links

Latest Manchester United transfer news and gossip as Benfica chief Rui Costa confirms negotiations are underway after an offer was received for Joao Neves

Benfica chief Rui Costa has confirmed the club are in talks over a deal to sell Joao Neves amid links with Manchester United.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for Neves for several months. The midfielder has a €120 million (£101 million) release clause in his contract and Benfica have previously been adamant they will not sell for below the fee.

United are looking to sign a new midfielder this summer to go with the two additions that have already made to their squad. Striker Joshua Zirkzee and centre-back Leny Yoro have been signed this week and further new signings are planned, including a new midfielder.

Neves was reported to be a target even before the transfer window opened. The Portugal international is joined by Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte and Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi in being possible options for United.

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Now Costa has confirmed that Benfica have received an offer from an unnamed club for Neves which is below the £101million release clause. Fabrizio Romano has reported that PSG are the club to make the offer, and Costa says negotiations are still taking place.

“I never said that Joao Neves would only leave for his €120 million (£101 million) release clause and therefore, those claims are false," Costa told Noticias ao Minuto.

"What I can say in relation to Joao Neves is that there is an offer on the table. That has been in the news in the last days but I’m not going to say where this proposal stands.

“There is a proposal on the table which is being evaluated and is being discussed. But at this moment, Joao Neves remains a Benfica player. It’s not that I want to hide the ins and outs because I understand that Benfica fans want to know whether Joao will be leaving or not.

“But at this moment, there are ongoing negotiations, so please allow me to be reserved about this subject so we can take care of what will be best outcome for Benfica.”