Manchester United are reportedly set to make Ruben Neves their first signing of the January window. The Portugal star is in the final six months of his Al-Hilal contract and is available for a transfer.
According to a report in The Guardian, Neves is a key target once Michael Carrick is appointed as the new caretaker manager. The midfielder is available for £20 million, but the Saudi Pro League side are also working on extending his contract at the club.
The Portugal star is open to make a return to Europe, and was linked with a move to Real Madrid. However, the Spanish giants are not interested in signing the 28-year-old and passed up on the opportunity.
Manchester United's interest was first reported by Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, but he repeatedly insisted that there were no contacts with the midfielder's agents.
“I wanted to clarify a couple of things, the first one about Ruben Neves, as I saw many of you asking me about what I said the other day here on the channel. Let me be clear, I didn’t post anything on Ruben Neves on my social media, because there is no news on Ruben Neves in terms of negotiations, in terms of bids, in terms of talks. What Manchester United did is to be in touch with the agent who also represents Ruben Neves."
He admitted that the midfielder was among the targets for the window, but nothing had been advanced.
“But Man United didn’t start a real negotiation with Ruben Neves, with Al-Hilal to sign the player. So at this stage, nothing is moving. They spoke about several players, not just Ruben Neves, several opportunities, something like ideas, opportunities, talents. Ruben Neves is represented by one of the most powerful agents in football. So that’s something absolutely normal, but nothing has really changed so far.”
Manchester United are now set to push ahead with the move following the sacking of Ruben Amorim. The Red Devils see the midfield as an area they need to sign players, as Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have not been at their best this season.
Manchester United set to appoint Michael Carrick as caretaker manager
Michael Carrick has agreed terms with Manchester United to become their caretaker manager for the rest of the season. The Englishman beat out Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the role, after the Norwegian confirmed interest in helping his former side.
The young manager is set to bring in Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans, and Travis Binnion as part of his staff at the club. Former Chelsea assistant manager Steve Holland is also expected to join the Red Devils in a similar role.
Manchester United continue to look for their next permanent manager and are planning to make the appointment in the summer.