Manchester United are one of three Premier League clubs interested in signing Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves ahead of the winter transfer window, according to Turkish outlet Sabah.
The Red Devils are short in the midfield department at the moment after untimely injuries to Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. There are no return dates for the pair.
This could prompt United to enter the transfer market for a solution. Sabah today claim that Premier League clubs, and ‘most notably Manchester United’ are showing interest in Neves.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also ‘preparing offers’ for the 28-year-old. This is expected to be a major hurdle for Galatasaray in the pursuit of the midfielder.
United should move early to secure Neves’ signature
The Portugal international was regularly linked with United during his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but he ended up making a surprise move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal in 2023.
Neves’ current deal with Al-Hilal expires at the end of the campaign, and his reluctance to extend his contract is likely to pave the way for a mid-season transfer.
The Saudi Pro League outfit are eyeing £18 million to part ways with their £47m signing, but the package could be lower, given his contract concludes in six months’ time.
Neves is presently on a basic weekly salary of £294,000 at Al-Hilal, which is tax-free. He would have to accept a big pay-cut, and may still seek at least £200,000 per week.
Newcastle are unlikely to break their wage structure for the Portuguese. It could be a battle between United and Spurs to sign the Porto graduate, who wants a Premier League return.
Spurs were prepared to offer significant weekly wages to Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, but he has his sights on winning trophies with Manchester City in the prime of his career.
Thomas Frank’s side could seek to persuade Neves with a big salary offer too, and the onus is on United to make an early approach to try and convince the experienced midfielder.
Neves, described as ‘fantastic‘ by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, would be a good upgrade on Casemiro in the number six role. He has a tireless work rate and impressed with his ball recoveries and tackling during his time at Wolves.
The Portuguese can likewise provide an attacking solution too. He has the knack for making late runs into the box and made seven goal contributions in his final year at Wolves.
At £18m or less, he would be a bargain midfield signing in January, thereby allowing United to save additional funds for the purchase of a marquee number six next summer.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com