Man Utd ‘open Ruben Neves transfer talks’ after Ruben Amorim hint | Football | Sport

Manchester United have reportedly been in contact with the agents of Ruben Neves as the Red Devils look to bolster their midfield options in January. United are on the hunt for a new midfielder after Bruno Fernandes suffered an injury against Aston Villa before Christmas.

United have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks and ended the weekend in sixth place in the Premier League table after defeating Newcastle 1-0 on Boxing Day. But Fernandes’ absence has given Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim another problem to solve, with Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Noussair Mazraoui also unavailable at present as they are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. And the Portuguese coach could attempt to thrash out a deal with Neves during the January transfer window.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United transfer chiefs have spoken to Neves’ agents about several topics and have discussed opportunities.

But the 13-time Premier League champions have not started concrete negotiations with Neves’ club Al-Hilal. And United are yet to submit a bid for the former Wolves player.

Neves joined Al-Hilal in the summer of 2023 after opting to leave Molineux and has gone on to bag 14 goals and 25 assists in 107 games for the Saudi Pro League team.

But he has been tipped to return to Europe, with Real Madrid said to be chasing his signature as well.

Neves is out of contract next summer and is expected to depart Saudi Arabia, with Defensa Central reporting that the player would take a 66 per cent reduction on his current salary of nearly £16million to move to the Bernabeu. So United could face a battle to entice the 28-year-old to Old Trafford.

Amorim offered a hint at his January transfer plans ahead of his side’s victory over Newcastle as the 40-year-old explained: “We have space to have more players, but it is a very important thing in our club that we have a plan, and we need to bring players that we know.

“It’s hard to know for sure that everything is going to work, but we need to be certain of the players that we bring [in]. If we are not sure, it’s better not to bring anyone and to work with the players that we have. That is clear for me.”

United have been linked with a host of midfielders, with Kobbie Mainoo falling down the pecking order in the north west and Casemiro coming to the end of his contract.

England internationals Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton have piqued the Red Devils’ interest after starring in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace respectively, with Brighton star Carlos Baleba and Stuttgart ace Angelo Stiller also attracting attention from the north west giants.

And former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in another option, with the 25-year-old falling out of favour at Atletico Madrid.