Manchester United have been linked with a move for former Wolves midfielder, Ruben Neves, during the January transfer window.
Ruben Neves in action for Portugal.
Ruben Neves continues to be linked with a transfer to Manchester United.(Image: (Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images))
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes may be able to play a role in the club's proposed pursuit of former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
The 28-year-old is currently playing in Saudi Arabia following a move to Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023. However, with Neves' deal expiring in the summer, he's believed to have interested parties prepared to secure his return to Europe before the end of the 2025/2026 season.
As a result, Al-Hilal are reportedly resigned to losing the Portuguese international - with £18million said to be enough to sign him in January. United are among those mentioned, with the Reds seeking to strengthen their midfield options.
And Fernandes admitted to The Standard, back in December, that he has been in contact with Neves after he was linked to Al Hilal in the summer. He said: "The person who spoke to me was the president of Al-Hilal, who called me directly.
"Ruben Neves sent me a message saying he wanted to talk to me. They wanted me to play in the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal.
"It was already a love that came from the Jorge Jesus era; he had already called me in 2023."
Ruben Neves celebrates a goal.
Ruben Neves knows Bruno Fernandes well and has experience playing in a midfield two. (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
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In a further possible boost to United, Spanish giants Real Madrid are "not interested" in signing Neves this month. According to reports in Spain, as per Sport Witness, it's claimed that Los Blancos president Florentino Perez is not keen on signing new players in January.
Portuguese publication Record makes a similar assertion, indicating Perez is hesitant to invest millions in Neves.
During an interview with Portuguese channel Sport TV in August last year, Neves revealed his wish to return to his boyhood club, FC Porto.
"I've said it in all the interviews - it's not coming back to finish your career, it's going back to play and be competitive: that's my big goal," he said.
"Fortunately, I'm 28-years-old and I feel very good physically. This is a career goal, because I wasn't champion at Porto and having a family of over 60 people who support the club - it's something that I want to give them and experience [for myself].
"I used to go to the Aliados to celebrate Porto's titles, but now I want to be on the other side and want to see my family celebrate."