Man Utd given chance to sign Ruben Neves in cut-price January transfer | Football

Manchester United are among the clubs who will be offered the chance to sign Ruben Neves for a cut-price fee in the January transfer window, according to reports.

Neves is currently in his third season with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal having joined in a £47 million deal from Wolves in 2023.

The 28-year-old helped Al-Hilal win the league and cup double last year and remains key figure in their midfield.

However, Neves has rejected the offer of a new contract, with his current deal expiring at the end of the season.

According to The Times, Neves wants to return to the Premier League and Al-Hilal are now exploring the possibility of selling the Portugal international in the January transfer window as it represents the last time they can secure a fee before he leaves as a free agent.

The report adds that an initial £18 million price tag has been suggested, although Al-Hilal may be forced to accept a lower fee given his desire to leave.

United are in the market for a new defensive midfielder and are already open to offers for Manuel Ugarte, while Kobbie Mainoo could leave Old Trafford on loan due to his lack of playing time.

Casemiro’s contract also expires next summer, although United could trigger the clause in his deal to extend for an additional 12 months.

Neves, meanwhile, admitted last year that he came close to joining Arsenal before his move to the Saudi Pro League.

Arsenal had considered a deal for Neves but ended up signing Declan Rice from West Ham for £105m.

‘I was close to three clubs and it didn’t happen, which saddened me and helped me make the decision to go to Al Hilal,’ Neves told O Jogo.

‘I didn’t want to put names forward, but Barcelona was one of the hottest and it wasn’t a lie. It was close to happening, just like with Arsenal.

‘Then there was another club outside England. It was events that piled up and then, with this golden opportunity [to sign for Al Hilal], I had no hesitation in accepting. I was already calloused with transfers that don’t happen.’

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