Manchester United remain interested in signing Joao Neves despite making his Benfica teammate Antonio Silva their number one target for the summer transfer window, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Writing on X, the journalist claimed that, while Silva is “very likely to leave” the Estadio da Luz at the end of the season, Neves could still stay for another year.

Neither player will be available on the cheap. Silva has a €100m (£86.5m) release clause, while Neves’s buyout fee is even higher at €120m (£103.75m).

In terms of priorities, United are known to be in the market for a new centre-back, so you would think that Silva would be the main focus for the club’s recruitment team.

United have looked at a number of different targets to strengthen the defence

In addition to Silva, it is believed that the Red Devils have considered making moves for the likes of Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio.

All three targets are likely to be available for lower fees than Silva, but it appears the Benfica star is the favoured candidate.

Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival could complicate matters

While Plettenberg seems confident that United are interested in Silva and Neves at the moment, that may soon change when Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a minority stake in the club is ratified.

The British billionaire reportedly intends to take charge of the day-to-day running of United and that could also mean major changes in terms of who is in charge of transfers.

It has already been announced that current CEO Richard Arnold will leave Old Trafford, while there is a good chance that Football Director John Murtough will follow suit. If that happens, and a new recruitment team is put in place, United may yet cool their interest in Silva and Neves.

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