Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Players Targeted Amid Red Devils Rumours

Manchester United are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Barcelona superstar Neymar, despite reports insisting the forward is close to a contract extension at the Camp Nou. Elsewhere, the race for Benfica's Victor Lindelof is heating up.

It's been suggested Neymar will sign a new deal and raise his release clause to €220 million (£170 million) in the process, but Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte reported other options are available (h/t James Cambridge of the Daily Express).

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Barca close their season in Sunday's Copa del Rey final against Sevilla, after which it's mentioned the club will sit down with Neymar and his representatives to hash out the final details of his extension, set to run until 2021.

But United aren't the only club interested in tempting Neymar to leave Catalonia for pastures new, and Sky Sports correspondent Paulo Freitas added there are sides just as financially equipped to budget for a move:

It seems the Red Devils will hold on to the slightest shred of hope they have in recruiting the Selecao technician, whose current deal expires in 2019, with a release clause of €190 million (£147 million).

Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez recently gave his fellow South American major praise after telling the club's official website Neymar can be the man to replace Lionel Messi's attacking influence (h/t the Sun's Tom Sheen):

"

Neymar and I we have an understanding that Leo is the best in the world, but Neymar is learning to be the best in the world and has everything needed to do so. 

He’s been in Barcelona for two years, has learnt a lot here and is totally different from when he arrived. 

He believes in his qualities and is a great player on a world level.

"

Neymar undoubtedly possesses the kind of flair and flash United have been missing in attack for some time now, although manager Louis van Gaal will struggle to lure a player of his talents without UEFA Champions League football.

Benfica defender Lindelof may be more open to playing in the UEFA Europa League, but Spanish newspaper AS reported Barcelona and Real Madrid are leading the hunt for his services (h/t the Mirror's Ed Malyon).

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Not only will United struggle in their attempt to sign players from the biggest clubs on the continents, but they might also see targets like Lindelof, 21, snapped up by Europe's in-form elite.

Lindelof played a big hand in guiding the Eagles to the Primeira Liga title after earning his first-team breakthrough in January, and his Instagram activity suggested his loyalties remain in Lisbon:

Much like Red Devils incumbent Daley Blind, Lindelof is comfortable in central defence or in an anchoring midfield role, but centre-back is the Sweden international's more natural state.

Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet reported earlier this week that United had already submitted a £20 million bid for the player (h/t Metro's Sean Kearns), but with Real and Barca now in the race, their hopes of a deal may be dashed.