The Benfica boss has broken his silence on the transfer of Joao Neves amid Manchester United and PSG links

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

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

United are looking to sign a new midfielder this summer to go with the two additions they have already made to the squad. Striker Joshua Zirkzee and centre-back Leny Yoro were signed this week and further 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 as possible options for United.

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Now Cost have confirmed that Benfica have received a bid from an unnamed club for Neves, who is under his £101m release clause. Fabrizio Romano has reported that PSG are the club to bid and Costa says that negotiations are still taking place.

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

“What I can say about Joao Neves is that there is an offer on the table. That’s been in the news for the last few days, but I won’t say where that offer is.

“There is a proposal on the table that is being evaluated and discussed. But at the 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 if Joao will leave or not.

“But there are ongoing negotiations at the moment so please allow me to be reserved on the subject so we can deal with what will be the best outcome for Benfica.”