Manchester City receive hard rejection from potential midfield transfer target – Manchester United also learn fate

Officials at the Etihad Stadium have received a hard rejection from Benfica’s Joao Neves over a potential switch to Manchester City this summer, according to reports.

The Portugal international has been widely tipped as being one of the most in-demand and versatile midfielders across the entirety of the European game, and his performances throughout last season saw his price tag skyrocket.

Such was the excitement around Joao Neves’ potential that one of Manchester City’s primary first-team talents was quizzed on the prospect of attracting him towards the Etihad Stadium earlier this summer.

Bernardo Silva did not shy away from a response, as he explained, “I would say to him to go to Man City right now! It’s not easy, he’s a player that many clubs want because of the success he had last season. I don’t have any inside information, but I think so, from what I hear.”

The 30-year-old continued in early June, “I don’t need to convince him [Pep], because João Neves convinces almost all coaches in the world with the way he works and the energy he gives. He won’t be a very cheap player, I imagine it won’t be easy to get into the race for him.”

However, it appears as though any hope of the Premier League champions attracting Neves to Manchester this summer are all-but over, with one of Europe’s top clubs firmly leading the race for the 19-year-old.

That is according to the information of Portuguese newspaper A Bola, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, who reports that Neves is ‘not considering’ offers from both Manchester City or Manchester United, and only wants to play for Paris Saint-Germain.

The latest understanding, as per the information of Fabrizio Romano, is that PSG have sent an official proposal for the 19-year-old to the Ligue 1 giants after personal terms were agreed with the player.

Unfortunately for the French club, there will certainly be no discounts in any potential deal. Benfica president, Rui Costa explained recently, “There’s a proposal for João, yes. We are discussing the amount… I never said that João would leave only for €120 million.”

For Manchester City, Etihad Stadium officials will no doubt have other targets to focus their attentions on this summer, with Newcastle United’s Bruno Guimaraes continuing to be a player of interest, but below the midfielder’s now-expired £100 million release clause.