Manchester United have already made moves to improve their midfield in before the January window slams shut, according to reports - with Portugal international Ruben Neves reportedly being subject of a bid from the Red Devils.
United sacked Ruben Amorim at the start of the month, leading to uncertainty on their behalf in the upcoming window and for the rest of the season. However, they're on an upward trajectory in the league at present.
The club have only lost twice in the league since the end of September, with one of those coming against high-flying Aston Villa, and there is renewed optimism that they could go on to secure a Champions League place. And the signing of Neves would certainly help in that regard.
Report: Man Utd 'Make £20m Bid' for Ruben Neves
Ruben Neves
The report by Spanish outlet Fichajes states that Neves is 'once again' at the heart of the European transfer market, and with that in mind, he's been one of the names highlighted by United ahead of a potential move.
It's thought that the Red Devils have already made a move to try to sign him in the January transfer window, despite the uncertainty over who their new manager will be, to sit in midfield alongside Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo under interim gaffer Michael Carrick.
United think that Neves can add balance, leadership and immediate experience to their midfield, which, despite bossing the game against rivals Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, has thrown up cause for concern at times so far this season.
A bid of around £20million has been submitted by sporting director, Jason Wilcox, though it's yet to be seen if Al-Hilal will accept such a bid in the coming weeks. Their proposal follows the logic that Neves' contract expires this June, which means that the transfer window represents the last realistic opportunity to secure a move for the former Wolves star, with Champions League clubs able to offer Neves a route into their sides once his Saudi deal runs out.
Marc Guehi is imminently set to join Manchester City from Crystal Palace for a similar fee, and with Neves boasting almost 200 appearances at Premier League level, it seems fair on both counts for both teams.
Neves has already equalled his best-ever career goalscoring season this time out with Al-Hilal and at 28 years old, he is an 'elite' player who is bang in-form.
Ruben Neves Would Walk Into Every Combination of Man Utd Midfields
Michael Carrick
United may well have benefitted from Neves' involvement under Ruben Amorim, working alongside compatriot Bruno Fernandes in a holding midfield role.
However, with Michael Carrick playing a 4-2-3-1 formation, he could well be trusted to sit alongside Manuel Ugarte who is a more defensive-minded player, spraying passes and linking play between defence and attack.
Alternatively, he could sit deep and allow academy talent Kobbie Mainoo to flourish at the Theatre of Dreams, rendering Casemiro slightly redundant and leaving Ugarte as a squad option. That would likely be the chosen plan of action from United fans to see Mainoo thrive.