Manchester City’s hopes of strengthening their midfield with the signing of Joao Neves have taken a major hit, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly ruling out any sale of the Portuguese star.

Pep Guardiola’s side are expected to explore midfield reinforcements in 2026, especially with uncertainty surrounding several of their current options.

Bernardo Silva is in the final year of his deal, Kalvin Phillips appears certain to move on, and Mateo Kovacic has been linked with a possible departure following a mixed spell at the Etihad.

With change on the horizon, City had identified Neves as a potential long-term option to anchor their midfield.

Reports suggest they were prepared to pay as much as €120 million (£105m) to prise him away from the French capital.

However, PSG are said to have made it clear that they will not even consider negotiations, regardless of the size of the bid.

PSG determined to hold onto Joao Neves

PSG view Neves as a cornerstone of their project and remain under no financial pressure to sell.

The midfielder is under contract until 2029, giving the French champions complete control over his future. Club officials believe his influence will be essential as they look to build on last season’s historic success.

Neves only joined from Benfica in 2024, but he wasted little time establishing himself as one of Luis Enrique’s most trusted performers.

The 21-year-old made 59 appearances in his debut campaign, contributing seven goals and 10 assists as PSG claimed a remarkable quadruple — winning the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions.

This season, he has already underlined his potential, delivering his first senior hat-trick in a 6-3 victory over Toulouse before being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Once fit, he is expected to slot straight back into the starting lineup and resume his pivotal role.

For City, the setback is a reminder of the challenges they face in targeting elite young talent already settled at Europe’s biggest clubs.

While Guardiola’s side will continue to monitor midfield options, PSG’s stance makes a move for Neves appear almost impossible in the near future.