Manchester United are reportedly in contact with Ruben Neves’ agent as the Red Devils look to strengthen their midfield options in January. United are looking for a new midfielder after Bruno Fernandes was injured in the game against Aston Villa before Christmas.
United have seen an upturn in their fortunes in recent weeks, beating Newcastle 1-0 on Boxing Day and ending the weekend in sixth place in the Premier League table. However, Fernandes’ absence leaves Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim with new issues to resolve, with Brian Mbeumo, Amad and Nousair Mazraoui also currently unavailable due to their absence at the African Cup of Nations. And the Portuguese manager could try to terminate Neves’ contract during the January transfer window.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United’s transfer chiefs have discussed a number of topics with Neves’ agent and discussed opportunities.
However, the 13-time Premier League winners have not started concrete negotiations with Neves’ club Al Hilal. And United are yet to make a bid for the former Wolves player.
Neves joined Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 after opting to leave Molineux, where he made 107 appearances for the Saudi Professional League team, scoring 14 goals and providing 25 assists.
However, he could return to Europe, with Real Madrid also said to be interested in signing him.
Neves is expected to leave Saudi Arabia when his contract expires next summer, with Defensa Central reporting that his current salary of around £16m would be cut by 66% if he were to move to the Bernabéu. United could therefore face a battle to lure the 28-year-old to Old Trafford.
Amorim gave a hint of his January transfer plans ahead of his team’s win over Newcastle, with the 40-year-old explaining:
“It’s hard to know for sure if everything will work out, but you have to be confident in the players you bring in. If you’re not sure, it’s better not to bring in anyone and work with the players we have. That’s clear to me.”
United have been linked with a number of midfield signings, with Koby Mainu falling down the North West pecking order and Casemiro reaching the end of his contract.
England internationals Elliott Anderson and Adam Wharton, who played in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace respectively, have sparked interest from the Red Devils, while Brighton star Carlos Baleva and Stuttgart ace Angelo Stiller have also attracted interest from the North West giants.
And former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is another option, with the 25-year-old falling out of favor at Atletico Madrid.
