Manchester United will face competition to sign a potential winter window bargain as Real Madrid also look to be scoping out a midfield recruit
Manchester United have had their sites set on strengthening their midfield to plug the holes in Ruben Amorim’s persistent 3-4-2-1 system.
The system does not favour the profiles within the club and has led to a search for depth that has spread far and wide.
Many potential signings have came up within the searches which would demand a heavy price tag alongside. Examples include Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba, who are all seen to be long term fix.
However, with a cheaper alternative on the cards, United could face competition to sign an experienced midfielder with Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid also showing interest in the player.
Real Madrid ready to compete for Neves
28-year-old midfielder, Ruben Neves has allegedly turned down the chance to sign a fresh contract with Saudi Arabian giants, Al-Hilal whilst his current deal expires in June 2026.
This makes the Portuguese international potentially available for £20m as he could make a return to the Premier League.
According to a report relayed by SportMole, Spanish giants, Real Madrid have also emerged as Neves’ next possible destination as they hit a spell of unconvincing form alongside the injury of Federico Valverde, who has often been relied on at the club to fill in with his versatile ability.
According to reports in Spain, Los Blancos view Neves as a ‘rare market opportunity’ with him being an experienced international who has performed in the Premier League.
This comes amid United being certinaly interested in the star, and Bruno Fernandes having been one to push for his signature for a number of seasons.
Neves surprisingly left a strong Wolves side in the summer of 2023 to make a move to Saudi Arabia, where he has now registered 14 goals and 25 assists in 106 appearances.
Amorim may have the upper hand
With Amorim clearly favouring the partnership of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in midfield, this leaves need for depth as United may look to offload players who are less suited to the demands of the system.
Academy product, Kobbie Mainoo has struggled to find consistent minutes under Amorim as a move to Antonio Conte’s Napoli seems to be an option in January.
Meanwhile, Manuel Ugarte has underperformed since his arrival in the summer of 2024. His aggression of the ball has caused gaps to appear in United’s side when playing, often proving to be damaging.
The experience of Neves laying under his fellow countryman would provide United with some more stability in the core of the team, whilst game-time at the Bernabeu is not guaranteed.
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Real Madrid have an array of midfield talents, including Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, however they lack the experienced profiles that they used to attain in the forms of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
Furthermore, Champions League football could be a deciding factor for Neves as United are only playing once per week, and Real Madrid are difficult to say no to.
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