Man Utd alerted to bargain transfer opportunity and could unlock more signings

Manchester United are rumoured to be reigniting their interest in Ruben Neves ahead of the January window. The Red Devils had previously shown interest in the Portugal midfielder before his move from Wolves to Al Hilal in 2023, and those rumours have now resurfaced. Neves, 28, led Wolves to Premier League promotion in 2018 and made over 250 appearances for the Molineux club in six years.

He then became a marquee signing for the Saudi Pro League, following fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo to the Gulf region. Al Hilal reportedly paid £47million for the midfielder, who is thought to be one of the top earners in Saudi football. However, with his contract set to expire this summer, a bargain January exit could be on the cards.

According to the Daily Mail, Al Hilal may be willing to accept around £20m for Neves, who reportedly has no intention of renewing his contract. This could make him a more feasible target compared to other midfielders on United's wish list.

Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are both high priorities for the Red Devils, but neither is likely to be available for less than £100m in January. If Ruben Amorim decides fresh talent is needed in midfield, Neves could fit the bill.

In his debut season, he helped Al Hilal to clinch the Saudi Pro League title with the Riyadh club going unbeaten throughout the season. They only managed to secure second place last term, leading to the replacement of manager Jorge Jesus with former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi at the end of the season.

They remain undefeated after nine matches under Inzaghi's stewardship, although they trail league leaders Al Nassr by four points. Neves has netted four goals - two of which came in his last two matches - as well as one in a King's Cup quarter-final triumph over Al Fateh.

United's interest in Neves emerges at a time when Bruno Fernandes is once again rumoured to be considering a move in the opposite direction.

Al Hilal's summer bid for the Old Trafford skipper was unsuccessful, but he hinted at a potential future move in a November interview that surfaced this month.

"I can't complain. I'm very well paid, but obviously the difference is huge," former Sporting CP star Fernandes told Canal 11.

"That was never what guided me. If one day I have to play in Saudi Arabia, I'll play in Saudi Arabia.

"My lifestyle will change, my children's lives will be sunny, after six years in Manchester with cold and rain, I'll be playing in a growing league, with recognised players."

He revealed that he chose to stay following discussions with manager Amorim, but was "hurt" by the club's stance on a possible departure.

"I decided to stay, also because of family reasons, but because I genuinely like the club," he added.

"The conversation with the manager also made me stay. But, from the club's side, I felt a bit like, 'if you leave, it's not so bad for us.' It hurts me a lot."