Manchester United are prepared to focus on signing Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte after giving up on their pursuit of Benfica’s Joao Neves, according to O Jogo (page 6).
The club recently made a second offer of £59 million, which Benfica rejected.
Paris Saint-Germain have moved into pole position to land the Portuguese wonderkid by bidding £76m including bonuses.
United have decided against matching the proposal. They are prepared to give up on the youngster and concentrate on landing Ugarte.
This could fuel PSG’s appetite to sign Neves, considering the additional funds they would receive from Ugarte’s possible switch to Old Trafford this summer.
United’s transfer decision could be budget-oriented
Neves is one of the most sought-after young midfielders in European football. He is brilliant with the ball at his feet and does not shy away from making challenges in midfield.
The 19-year-old has shown plenty of maturity from the number six role. He would be a fantastic acquisition for United, but the hierarchy may not want to pay above the odds.
The teenage sensation has made huge strides over the past year with his boyhood club, but he may also need time to adapt to the higher intensity of the Premier League.
The same goes for Ugarte, but the Uruguayan has four years more experience than Neves. He has already proven himself at one of the best clubs in European football.
United have made an opening bid of £38m plus add-ons for Ugarte, who was described as a ‘tireless‘ midfielder shortly after he arrived from Sporting CP last summer.
Their decision could be budget-oriented. Signing Ugarte for around £38m makes more sense for the hierarchy with limited transfer funds.
