Manchester United given boost in pursuit of £20m top midfield target

Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is interested in joining Manchester United before the end of the January transfer window. Neves is a known target for United who are on the market for midfield reinforcements.

The former Wolves man made the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, and won the domestic treble in his first season. He is out of contract at the end of this season though, and is reportedly interested in a move back to Europe.

Football Insider has reported that the player’s representative, super agent Jorge Mendes, has contacted United to express interest a move to Old Trafford. Mendes has close connections at United and has held conversations about the midfielder’s future.

United are understood to be long term admirers of the player and are reportedly considering adding a midfielder within the next two transfer windows. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba are some of the other names known to be on the short list of United.

Those deals are seen as blockbuster moves however and are more likely to take place over the summer rather than in the winter.

Neves could represent an opportunity to add a signing this month though, given his contract situation. Interim boss Michael Carrick is believed to be on the market for signings this month and could be backed by the United hierarchy.

Neves brings Premier League experience and international pedigree which could help United’s push for a Champions League finish. The 28-year-old’s wages could prove to be a stumbling block though, as he earns a massive £300,000 per week.

The player is also valued at £20m by his club who are reluctant to let the player leave midway through the season. And deal for the player looks increasingly difficult to complete but remains a possibility.

The long term futures of United midfielders Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, and Bruno Fernandes continue to draw headlines as United search for solutions. The sacking of Ruben Amorim could play a part however, as fresh ideas could change the situation.

Mainoo in particular was frozen out of the picture under Amorim, but made his first start in the Premier League this season under Carrick as United defeated City 2-0 in match week 22.

Nadji is a football writer with over 10 years of experience covering the Premier League. His work has been featured on Football Fancast, Arsenal-Mania, and Arsenal.com, where he has built a reputation for delivering sharp analysis, engaging storytelling, and in-depth coverage of the game.