Ruben Neves Transfer Race Heats Up for Manchester United

Man Utd transfer news: Ruben Neves race heats up amid Jean-Philippe Mateta twist Catch all the latest Manchester United transfer news, rumours, and updates, including all the latest on Ruben Neves, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The days are ticking down in the January transfer window, with Manchester United among those actively looking in the market at potential deals. The club are weighing up options that could help them in the short term and the long term, with a particular focus on the groundwork that can be done for the summer. In the meantime, Michael Carrick will largely work with what he has to try and get Man United as high up the table as possible in his caretaker manager stint. That should help set the team up for the future, whether that is under the current staff at Old Trafford or under new leadership with a change in head coach. Either way, director of football Jason Wilcox is already starting to take a look at the options he can bring in to help improve the side in the weeks and months ahead. So, with that being said, here's a look at the latest Manchester United transfer news and rumours ahead of another busy day. READ MORE : Man Utd's £5bn valuation speaks volumes after new Glazers takeover suspicions raisedREAD MORE : Roberto De Zerbi confirms talks amid Man Utd next manager search - 'We have to speak' Ruben Neves transfer battle Manchester United could have a transfer battle on their hands if they push forward with their reported interest in Ruben Neves in the near future. According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Madrid are also taking a keen interest in the midfielder as a possible option for the summer transfer window, though the player is looking at a possible move in January. The former Wolves star is currently playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, but has just six months remaining on his contract with the club. That has sparked interest in a possible return to Europe, with the 28-year-old now entering what are the peak years of his playing career. A pre-contract agreement can be reached by clubs this month, up until he becomes a free agent in the summer, but it remains to be seen if any club will manage that. Man United's own interest comes at a time when they are keen to transform their midfield ranks, with Neves one of many potential targets. FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE!Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page Ruben Loftus-Cheek offer Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek this January transfer window, as an option to improve their midfield ranks. That's reported by talkSPORT, who claim that the club are considering a potential loan signing in midfield this winter to help bolster their options. Loftus-Cheek is said to be keen on making a move back to the Premier League, having struggled to feature regularly for AC Milan this season. The former Chelsea man was involved for England last year, making his return after a few years out of the setup, but will be keen to play more before the World Cup. While Loftus-Cheek is one option, the report adds that former Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is also on Man United's radar this winter. Jean-Philippe Mateta transfer twist Manchester United have been linked with a potential move for Jean-Philippe Mateta in the transfer window, but could miss out to Premier League rivals Aston Villa. That's because The Athletic reports that the Villans have expressed their interest in the striker this month. It's claimed that the club are looking to bolster their forward ranks, with Mateta an option as he enters the final 18 months of his deal at Crystal Palace. The Eagles hold their own interest in Evann Guessand, which could open the path towards a swap deal in the weeks ahead. That may well take away a potential option for Man United, if they are looking to act on their striker transfer interest this winter, or even in the summer. Palace boss Oliver Glasner admitted last week that the club are open to a sale if the financial interests come forward 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 admitted. "If nobody pays this price then JP will stay."