Transfer Talk: Man United target Benfica's João Neves in midfield revamp
The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and there is plenty of gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
TOP STORY: Man United target Benfica‘s Neves
Manchester United have identified Benfica midfielder João Neves as a priority target this summer, reveals Rudy Galetti.
The Red Devils are understood to be in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer, with the club opting to not trigger the option to make Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat‘s loan deal permanent. The 27-year-old has struggled to impress at Old Trafford, though the Morocco international could also be on the move this summer, with AC Milan showing interest.
Alongside Amrabat, the futures of Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen remain unclear, which could see United undergo a midfield transformation this summer. It is reported that United have shortlisted several midfielders as targets, with Juventus‘ Adrien Rabiot and Monaco’s Youssouf Fofana joining Neves as potential targets for the summer transfer window.
However, the tweet indicates that Neves is seen as the priority target. The 19-year-old has featured 27 times in Liga Portugal this season, notching three goals and two assists, and attracting the attention of several clubs in Europe in the process.
Alongside Manchester United, Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea have both been linked with the Portugal international, who Benfica might struggle to keep this summer
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PAPER GOSSIP (by Rajan Hothi)
– Barcelona are keen to secure a permanent deal for Manchester City defender João Cancelo, but they face competition from Saudi Arabia, according to Sport. It is reported that City are keen to offload the Portugal international on a permanent basis this summer, with Barcelona eager to strike a deal. However, with a reported value of €50m, Barcelona will struggle to meet this figure, which opens the door for a possible switch to Saudi Arabia. The report reveals that City are aware that clubs in Saudi Arabia are keeping tabs on the situation. Al Hilal are named as one interested party, who would be able to make an approach that Barcelona could not match.
– Liverpool are set to open contract talks with defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, amid Real Madrid interest, per Football Insider. The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a switch to Los Blancos in recent days, after contract talks have failed to progress with Liverpool. Alexander-Arnold is under contract at Anfield until 2025, with the report suggesting that with the arrival of Richard Hughes as sporting director, alongside Michael Edwards’ role as CEO of football, contract talks should make progress following the European Championships in Germany this summer.
– Tottenham, Internazionale and Juventus are amongst the clubs keeping tabs on Genoa forward Albert Gudmundsson, report Tuttosport. The 26-year-old has notched 12 goals and four assists across all competitions in Italy this season, attracting the attention of several clubs in Europe in the process. Whilst it is reported that Spurs have sent scouts to monitor the Iceland international, Genoa are hoping to initiate a bidding war this summer, with the Italian outfit seeking €30m+. The report also indicates that AC Milan and Roma are monitoring the situation.
– Atletico Madrid are paying close attention to the situation of Barcelona defender Iñigo Martínez, report Relevo. Whilst Martinez is reportedly happy with the Catalan outfit, he would prefer an increased role. Martinez has not been identified by Barcelona as a player who must be offloaded this summer, though the club would be open to the idea of a potential departure. With Atleti defender Mario Hermoso expected to depart as a free agent this summer, manager Diego Simeone is keen to add to his defensive options. The report indicates that the Atleti have been long-term admirers of Martinez, and are ready to strike this summer if the possibility for a move opens up.
– Internazionale are hopeful of securing a deal for Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento Matheus Krepski, but face competition from Chelsea, per La Gazzetta dello Sport. The 24-year-old has attracted the attention of several top clubs in Europe, with Inter desperate to finalize a move. Yann Sommer is 35 and is possibly approaching retirement which has left the Italian outfit keen to find a new goalkeeper this summer. However, the report reveals that Chelsea have also shown an interest in Bento, whilst Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also in the race.
