Man City 'eye' £100m Man United transfer hijack as Julian Alvarez exit route emerges

Manchester City remain in the race to sign highly-rated Benfica midfielder Joao Neves this summer, according to reports from Portugal.

The talented youngster is expected to secure a big-money move this window after breaking into Benfica's first-team. Neves, 19, has been linked with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain throughout the summer.

He has a release clause worth around €120m (£100m) meaning his signature will come at a cost. In the last seven days, it has emerged that United would prioritise a move for Manuel Ugarte to leave the door open for PSG to sign Neves. However, O Jogo are reporting that City are still keeping an eye on Neves' signature.

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Pep Guardiola already has a strong Portuguese contingent in his squad at the Etihad Stadium, with Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, Matheus Nunes and Joao Cancelo all on the club's books. PSG do remain the favourites to land Neves, but the report from Portugal has suggested that City remain in the race to sign the midfielder before the summer window closes.

Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid have turned their attention to City forward Julian Alvarez and made him their 'first choice' option to replace Alvaro Morata this summer.

Alvarez has just helped Argentina win back-to-back Copa America titles in the USA, but his transfer links have continued to rumble on regarding his future. Chelsea have reportedly registered an interest, but Atletico are now intent on signing him.

According to ESPN, the La Liga side have made him their priority Morata replacement. The Spain captain is close to sealing a move to AC Milan after