Manchester United have now been told their chances of signing Ruben Neves from Al Hilal, as the player reaches a fresh verdict.
With the January transfer window approaching the final 12 days, the rumour mill is only continuing to intensify.
After missing out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, Manchester United have yet to complete any deals this month officially.
With Michael Carrick confirmed as the caretaker manager until the end of the season, it has been reported that the recruitment team will, alongside Carrick, discuss potential deals that will suit his system.
One player that has been repeatedly linked, even under Rúben Amorim, has been former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder and Portugal international Ruben Neves.
Neves opens door to United move
It is no secret that United have been on the lookout for a midfielder, whether that’s been long-term targets like Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, or short-term targets like Neves.
It has often appeared that the links to Neves seemed to be tentative, but one recent report has suggested otherwise.
According to Peter O’Rourke of Football Insider, the Portuguese midfielder would welcome any discussions about a possible move to Old Trafford. While his wages of £300,000 a week will be an issue, a former United chief scout has told Football Insider that Neves’ agent has contacted United about a potential move.
O’Rourke also said on the Transfer Insider Podcast: “I’m sure if the opportunity did come along, Ruben Neves would be interested in a move to Man United.
“He would be a good fit for United, he can play in that defensive midfield role, but I don’t think the Saudi Pro League club are that open to letting him leave.
“It’s a difficult deal to do, Al Hilal want a decent fee of around £20million for him, and then obviously you’ve got his wages as well.“
Neves would be shrewd deal
Should United overcome the obstacle that is the Portugal internationals’ astronomical wages, this would be a very shrewd move for United.
With Neves’ contract set to expire in the Summer, a loan move could allow both United and the player to get to grips with one another and allow Neves the chance to impress before a permanent deal.
He can fill in both roles of Casemiro as the defensive midfielder, as well as Kobbie Mainoo’s role as the slightly more attacking midfielder in the pivot. He has excellent technical ability, whether it is his line-breaking passes or his ability to be the link between the defence and the attack.
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He has years of Premier League experience, as he captained Wolverhampton Wanderers, which aligns with INEOS’s Premier League-proven desire. His clear leadership skills will also be vital for the team, too.
Should United not extend Casemiro’s contract beyond this summer, Neves will no doubt be able to step into his role or even provide competition if United brings in a big-money replacement. Capable of being a starter and squad player, he ticks many boxes.
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