Transfer Talk: New United boss Ten Hag sanctions Neves swoop

Manchester United will press ahead with their attempts to sign Wolves playmaker Ruben Neves as Erik ten Hag begins his Old Trafford revolution.

The Red Devils are in need of midfield reinforcements with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic among the players leaving when their contracts expire this summer.

And club chiefs are preparing to make a “final push” to sign £50million-rated Neves with Ten Hag a big fan of the maestro, according to the Sun.

Their report adds that Sporting star Joao Palhinha, 26, is being lined up to replace his fellow countryman but could put a decision on hold until after Portugal’s Nations League fixtures in June.

United would face competition from Barcelona and Arsenal to land Neves, who appeared tearful as he applauded Wolves fans after their final home game of the season.

The 26-cap ace has racked up over 200 appearances since arriving in the Midlands in 2017 and at 25, is entering his peak years.

United recorded their worst-ever Premier League point total last season to leave Ten Hag, who watched the final-day defeat to Crystal Palace in person, under no illusions as to the size of the task facing him.

Forward is another area where reinforcements are needed but the Daily Star claim Benfica’s £100m price tag on Darwin Nunez, 22, means the Red Devils will have to look elsewhere.

United are also in the market for a centre-back with the Manchester Evening News suggesting 25-year-old Villarreal ace Pau Torres is being strongly considered.

In other news

Paris Saint-Germain want to replace Neymar and will listen to offers for the 30-year-old after securing Kylian Mbappe’s mega-money extension, report ESPN.

Foot Mercato believe that Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe, 26, has been offered to PSG after the Gunners ran out of patience with their record signing.

Newly-wealthy Newcastle are eyeing a swoop for Bayer Leverkusen forward Moussa Diaby, 22, as they look for a new man to lead the line, claim the Telegraph.