On December 23rd, AS reported Manchester United are pushing for Al-Hilal’s Rúben Neves. They also stated the Red Devils would have to tussle with Real Madrid to secure his services.
The Portugal international is in his final six months of contract. Former Al-Hilal forward Sami Al-Jaber backed him to join Real Madrid for free after this season.
“I fear Neves will move from Al Hilal to Real Madrid for free after his contract with the club expires at the end of this season,” he said.
On New Year’s Eve, another report from AS stated Manchester United have made contact to sign him. The Saudi club’s desire is to tie him down a new contract. Should he refuse to sign an extension, they intend to sell him in the winter market.
Wednesday’s edition of O Jogo picks up on this and covers the latest on the Red Devils and Real Madrid.
Earlier this month, Manchester United parted ways with Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim. The manager’s exit hasn’t stopped the Old Trafford club from chasing his compatriot.
Neves has an extension offer from Al-Hilal but isn’t keen on accepting it as he wants to leave Saudi Arabia. He’s free to negotiate with other clubs, while O Jogo insist it’s not ruled out for him to move this month.
Manchester United with clear route to midfielder
Manchester United have clearer route to midfielder
Manchester United have clearer route to midfielder
The latest claims from Spain have talked about Real Madrid as an option for the 28-year-old.
A move to Madrid certainly pleases the player, but Florentino Pérez is coming in his way. Los Blancos president isn’t keen on making new additions in the mid-season window.
This gives Manchester United an easy route to sign the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man in January.
Another Portuguese newspaper, Record, also looks at the Real Madrid claims from Spain. They claim Pérez doesn’t want to spend millions on Neves this month.
According to Record, Manchester United would be willing to spend €20m to sign him in January.