Manchester United were expected to improve their bid for Joao Neves

Manchester United are expected to come back with an improved offer for Joao Neves, but are unlikely to match his €120m release clause.

Conformable A Bola via Sport Witness, Manchester United could return to Benfica with an improved offer for Joao Neves. Reports suggested the Red Devils had made an offer worth €50-60m and could improve on those terms, although they are unlikely to come close to his €120m release clause.

Manchester United will make an improved offer for Joao Neves

Joao Neves looks a key target for Manchester United ahead of the summer, with the club looking for midfield reinforcements. The Benfica star may be young and there is a certain element of risk if the Red Devils consider pairing him with teenager Kobie Mainoo. However, he is one of the significant market opportunities that could materialize in the summer.

Arsenal are also keen, but Manchester United have reportedly made a bid for the midfielder. They reportedly submitted a bid worth €50-60m recently which was quickly rejected by Benfica as their president Rui Costa is holding out for at least €100m in fixed fees.

Neves has a €120m release clause in his contract, giving Benfica leverage in negotiations. The Portuguese club may have wanted to hand the midfielder an improved deal that would have increased his release clause to €150 million alongside a salary increase, but they failed in that attempt. Manchester United are now expected to come back with an improved offer.

While all eyes will be on how much they offer, the Red Devils are unlikely to come close to the €120m-rated midfielder’s release clause. They may have to get it right eventually, or Manchester United risk allowing rivals to enter the race for the highly-rated Portuguese star.

Neves to replace Casemiro?

After a thorough investigation of Neves, observers have recommended the midfielder to the club, although there are some questions about where he could fit in. The rise of Kobie Mainoo has made him something of a starter in that team and he should reach €120m. rated midfielder arrives, then many will expect him to start games.

If Manchester United consider him as a replacement for the Saudi-linked Casemiro, they could be making a big mistake. The pairing of Mainoo and Neves is a considerable risk in the context of the long season, as their lack of experience could expose the midfield and defence. Therefore, the two midfielders are players who need an experienced head alongside them to flourish and bring balance to the team on the pitch.