Manchester United have identified Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves as a target for the January transfer window, according to The Guardian journalist Jamie Jackson.
The Old Trafford side are expected to confirm Michael Carrick as the interim manager on Tuesday, with the 44-year-old succeeding his former team-mate Darren Fletcher in the role.
United are looking to strengthen the squad with new signings before the window shuts and have earmarked midfield as one of the positions they want to improve.
Neves would reportedly cost about £20m, as his contract with Al-Hilal is expiring at the end of the season.
Man Utd Eyeing Move for Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves
According to Jackson, Man United have funds available for transfer activity in January and could move for Neves if his acquisition becomes viable.
The £340,000-a-week midfielder has been playing in Saudi Arabia for the past two-and-a-half years, after ending his lengthy stint with Wolves in the Premier League in 2023.
Neves spent six years at Molineux and made 253 appearances, including 177 in the Premier League, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists.
A move to Old Trafford would see the 28-year-old join forces with his Portugal team-mates Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League in the past two years.
Neves has made 20 appearances for Al-Hilal this season, scoring seven goals, and has lifted four trophies during his time in the Middle East, including the Saudi Pro League title in 2024.
Jonathan Woodgate to Join Carrick at Man Utd?
Jonathan Woodgate
Carrick reportedly wants his former Middlesbrough assistant Jonathan Woodgate to join him on the coaching staff at Man United.
It remains unclear whether United would be open to hiring the former Tottenham defender on a short-term contract, as there is a possibility Fletcher could remain with the backroom team following his interim stint.
Man United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney has also revealed he would be open to helping Carrick in a new role and joining his coaching staff.
Solskjaer to Miss Out on Interim Role
ole gunnar solskjaer besiktas manager
Despite emerging as an early frontrunner, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to miss out on the Man United interim manager role after holding face-to-face talks over the weekend.
The Norwegian tactician is believed to have offered his services to United following Ruben Amorim’s sacking, more than four years after being relieved of his managerial duties at the club.
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