Manchester United are close to agreeing a loan deal while Ruben Neves' chances of moving to Old Trafford have just suddenly improved
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: (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images))
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Time is running out in the transfer window, but Manchester United remain linked with potential deals before the deadline. Ruben Amorim hadn't anticipated much activity, but could Michael Carrick be facing a different situation?
United are looking to strengthen central midfield, and with Bruno Fernandes now operating in a more advanced role, Kobbie Mainoo seems to be back in contention. The club may need greater depth to compete effectively, but have a restricted schedule to provide opportunities following their cup eliminations.
Players such as Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson have been linked with major moves to Old Trafford but are unlikely to be the focus of bids in the next few days. United continue to be associated with alternative targets that could arrive more quickly, though.
Former Premier League players Ruben Neves and Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be available in the coming days. A deal for either is unlikely to be quite as costly.
With that in mind, we take a look at some of the latest transfer news and speculation surrounding Old Trafford.
Amass transfer
Norwich City are nearing a deal for Manchester United youngster Harry Amass. The full-back impressed during his loan stint at Sheffield Wednesday in the opening half of the campaign but now looks set to ply his trade elsewhere for the rest of 2025/26.
Norwich are seeking to cover for injuries to Lucien Mahovo and Jeff Schlupp, and the Canaries are making headway for the 18-year-old. Recent discussions are said to have steered Amass' future towards East Anglia.
Following victory over West Brom, Norwich manager Philippe Clement commented: "We're busy with several players and several positions, and I hope we can get everything over the line. I know everybody's working hard on that.
Harry Amass during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.
Harry Amass spent the first half of the season on loan to Sheffield Wednesday from Manchester United.(Image: Joe Prior, Getty Images)
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"We had a lot of talks also this week with several players and after the talks they were really interested in the project, this type of result will help also, because several players have the idea maybe, 'Yes, but you're in a relegation spot and until the end of the season you are going to play relegation football and kick and rush because you're in trouble'.
"These games like this, help also. So I hope this will help some players also over the line. We are busy with several guys."
Loftus-Cheek latest
Aston Villa have expressed interest in Ruben Loftus-Cheek just days after he was reportedly 'offered' to United. The former Chelsea academy graduate has slipped down the hierarchy at AC Milan and could be loaned out as he aims to secure a place in the World Cup squad.
Villa are seeking reinforcements following an injury to Boubacar Kamara, who is expected to miss the remainder of the season. According to The Athletic, Unai Emery's team could look to secure a midfielder on loan, with Loftus-Cheek among the candidates being considered.
Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Aston Villa are being linked with a move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek(Image: (Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images))
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The Midlands club have already been unsuccessful in their pursuit of Conor Gallagher this month, with Tottenham presenting a permanent offer to Atletico Madrid. Loftus-Cheek was previously reported to have been proposed to United, and 'exploratory' discussions are said to have occurred.
Real Madrid open door
Real Madrid are not interested in signing Ruben Neves this month, according to reports in Spain, per Sport Witness. It is claimed that Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is not keen on signing new players in January.
Portuguese publication Record makes a similar assertion, indicating that Perez is hesitant to invest millions in Neves this month. The former Wolves midfielder's deal with Al Hilal runs out in the summer.
This could create a clear pathway for Manchester United to make their approach. United are reportedly prepared to pay €20million (£17.4m) to secure his signature in January.