Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has previously been in contact with Ruben Neves, which could give the Red Devils an advantage as they consider a January move for the Al-Hilal midfielder.
Bruno Fernandes applauding on the pitch.
Bruno Fernandes could help Manchester United sign Ruben Neves.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes could, potentially, play a key part in the Red Devils' potential signing of former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. The 28-year-old is currently plying his trade in Saudi Arabia after joining Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023.
Nevertheless, with Neves' contract set to expire this summer, he's understood to have attracted suitors willing to facilitate his return to Europe before the conclusion of the 2025/2026 campaign.
Consequently, Al-Hilal are reportedly accepting of losing the Portugal international, with £18million believed to be sufficient to secure his signature in January. United are among those being linked - with the Reds looking to bolster their midfield options - especially with Casemiro on his way.
Fernandes revealed to The Standard, in December, that he had been in touch with Neves after he was connected to Al Hilal during 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 in action for Portugal.
Ruben Neves has been linked with a transfer to Man Utd.(Image: (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images))
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In a further possible boost to United, meanwhile, Real Madrid are "not interested" in signing Neves this month. According to reports in Spain - as per Sport Witness - the Los Blancos' president Florentino Perez isn't keen on signing new players in January.
Speaking with Portuguese broadcaster Sport TV last August, Neves opened up about his ambition to re-join his boyhood side, 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."
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