Manchester United could be set for a Premier League transfer battle as they eye a Portuguese international with 63 appearances.
As the January transfer window approaches, Manchester United have several big calls to make, especially with the African Cup of Nations that takes place during the first weeks of the new year.
Amad, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo all appear to have left Old Trafford for AFCON, with Mazraoui departing before Monday night’s game against AFC Bournemouth.
Jason Wilcox – United’s Director of Football – must decide what positions to prioritise in the early days of the transfer window. A forward may have to be the priority without Mbeumo, especially considering Antoine Semenyo reportedly has a £65 million release clause for the opening 10 days of the window.
If Joshua Zirkzee is still looking for a move, then the attacking positions become even more of a priority. But Wilcox may also have to consider a new central defender or midfielder.
United’s defence has seriously struggled in recent weeks, without Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire, and some believe Ayden Heaven could be best suited to a loan move, like Harry Amass.
As for the midfield, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo have both been linked with moves away in January, while Casemiro looks destined to leave in the summer. January could be a busy month for Wilcox.
United eyeing Neves
Ruben Neves has been linked with a move to Old Trafford since his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, but one has yet to come off. But that could all be about to change.
TeamTALK have reported that Al-Hilal are “ready” to sell Neves back to Europe in the January transfer window, amid issues agreeing a new contract for the 63-appearance Portugal international.
However, it won’t be that simple for United. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also eyeing a move, while West Ham United are understood to be exploring their chances of signing the midfielder.
Neves’ contract expires at the end of the season, and it doesn’t seem like he will sign another. Perhaps the 28-year-old wants to return to the Premier League before the end of his prime years.
Clubs from Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain are also interested in Neves, but a move back to England does “appeal” to the former Wolves midfielder.
United should steer clear of Neves
While Neves has proven he can dominate Premier League midfields, United should steer clear of the Portugal international.
For one, he will likely demand a high wage package after several years in Saudi Arabia. His rumoured salary for Al-Hilal is a staggering £336,000 a week, as per Capologly.
Also, Neves would likely take up similar positions to Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo in Rúben Amorim’s double pivot.
So, unless United are switching to a 4-3-3 on a permanent basis, which seems unlikely, signing Neves seems unnecessary. Wilcox should instead focus on a high-energy defensive midfielder like Tyler Adams or Carlos Baleba.
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