Ruben Neves of Portugal looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Portugal and Armenia
Ruben Neves has been linked with a move to Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
As the January transfer window draws to a close, Manchester United are actively scouting potential deals. The club is considering options that could bolster their squad both immediately and in the long run, with an emphasis on laying the groundwork for the summer.
In the interim, Michael Carrick will largely utilise his current squad to propel United up the league table as far as possible. This strategy should set the team up for future success, whether under the existing staff at Old Trafford or new leadership following a change in head coach. Regardless, director of football Jason Wilcox has already begun exploring potential additions to enhance the team in the coming weeks and we have looked at the latest United transfer news and rumours ahead of another bustling day.
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Ruben Neves transfer tussle
United may find themselves in a transfer tug-of-war if they proceed with their reported interest in Ruben Neves. Spanish outlet AS claim that Real Madrid are also eyeing the midfielder as a potential summer transfer target, although the player himself is contemplating a January move.
The ex-Wolves star is currently plying his trade for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but with just six months left on his contract, there's speculation about a potential return to Europe. The 28-year-old is now entering the prime years of his career.
Clubs can secure a pre-contract agreement this month before he becomes a free agent in the summer, but it's uncertain if any club will manage to do so. United's interest comes as they look to revamp their midfield, with Neves being one of several potential targets.
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Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek celebrate the victory during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been linked with a move to Manchester United (Image: Getty Images)
Ruben Loftus-Cheek offer
United have been offered the opportunity to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek in this January transfer window to bolster their midfield. According to talkSPORT, the club are contemplating a potential loan signing in midfield this winter to enhance their options.
Loftus-Cheek is reportedly eager to return to the Premier League, having found regular game time hard to come by at AC Milan this season. The former Chelsea player made a comeback for England last year after a few years away from the squad and is keen to get more playing time ahead of the World Cup.
While Loftus-Cheek is one possibility, the report also mentions that former Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is on Man United's winter radar.
Jean-Philippe Mateta twist
United have been rumoured to be interested in Jean-Philippe Mateta during the transfer window, but they could lose out to Aston Villa. According to The Athletic, the Villans have shown interest in the striker this month.
The club is reportedly looking to strengthen their forward line, with Mateta being considered as he enters the last 18 months of his contract at Crystal Palace. The Eagles are also interested in Evann Guessand, which could pave the way for a swap deal in the coming weeks.
This could remove a potential option for United if they plan to act on their interest in a striker this winter or even in the summer. Last week, Palace manager Oliver Glasner conceded that the club would consider selling if the right financial offer was made in the transfer market.
"There will be a price where Crystal Palace say '18 months left in his contract, we do the deal if JP wants'," Glasner revealed. "If nobody pays this price then JP will stay."
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