Ruben Neves Opens Door to January Transfer to Manchester United

Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves has opened the door to a move to Manchester United this month after initial talks, according to reports. The 28-year-old is reportedly interested in joining forces with Portugal team-mates Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot at Old Trafford, if United can agree terms with the Saudi Pro League side. Neves is out of contract at the end of the season and is keen on returning to Europe, two-and-a-half years after leaving Premier League side Wolves for Al-Hilal. Meeting the midfielder’s wage demands could prove challenging, with Neves believed to be earning £340,000 per week in Saudi Arabia. Ruben Neves Keen on Man Utd Move According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Al-Hilal are reluctant to let Neves leave in January and would instead like to tie the 28-year-old down to a new long-term deal. Although a deal could be possible for around £20m, Al-Hilal still view Neves as an important part of manager Simone Inzaghi’s squad. The midfielder would reportedly welcome an opportunity to discuss terms with Manchester United if they can agree a fee with the Saudi side, who are sitting seven points clear at the top of the Pro League. Neves has made 21 appearances for Al-Hilal this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, and has lifted four trophies during his time in the Middle East, including the Pro League title in 2024. The 'exceptional' 28-year-old spent six years at Wolves after joining from Porto in 2017 and made 177 Premier League appearances –more than any other player in the club’s history. Man Utd Likely to Sign New Midfielder Manchester United have yet to register any major transfer activity in January, having been focused on finding Ruben Amorim’s successor following his sacking earlier this month. After appointing Michael Carrick as interim boss until the end of the season, the Red Devils are expected to explore their market options before the window shuts on February 2. While any major moves appear unlikely this month, United are expected to target a new midfielder after the season, when Casemiro’s contract expires. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson remain high on the shortlist, while Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is also held in high regard by the Old Trafford hierarchy.