Manchester United suffer £130m Joao Neves 'blow' and other transfer rumours

Manchester United might have to pay £130million to sign Joao Neves in the future - according to reports.

Speculation over the highly-rated Benfica and Portugal teenager has been at fever pitch over recent months and United captain Bruno Fernandes - his teammate for the national team - has waxed lyrical about Neves amid some indication that United could eventually swoop for his signature.

However, as per the latest reports, there might be a new stumbling block. Portuguese outlet O Jogo state Benfica and representatives for the 19-year-old are locked in discussions over a contract extension which would also see a significant hike on his release clause; from £87m to £130m.

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Neves, 19, plays as a defensive midfielder for Benfica and has already totted-up 45 matches for their first team. He has been capped three times by Portugal at senior level.

His current deal with the Liga Portugal side runs until 2028 - and was agreed as recently as August - but a growing interest in Neves has forced Benfica to act.

United are claimed to have sent scouts to watch Neves this season. However, as and when he does move on, they will not be the only top European team in for him.

Elsewhere, reports from Foot Mercato reckon former United player Jesse Lingard has been "offered" to three clubs in French Ligue 1 before the market reopens next month. Lingard, 31, remains a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest this summer. Lingard spent one season at the City Ground.

He made 232 appearances for United after progressing through their famed Academy system.

Lingard was tipped to move to Saudi Arabia this summer - but