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Manchester United are unlikely to have too much to spend in January to solve their midfield problems.
After spending more than £200m in the summer to plug crucial holes at the top and in goal, INEOS eventually ran out of money, despite Ruben Amorim demanding the co-owners sign one midfielder.
Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Elliot Anderson are among the top targets, but given their valuation, the Red Devils are unlikely to sign them in the winter window.
That’s why the Red Devils are keeping an eye on the market opportunities, with Joao Gomes, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves as backup options.
Conversations with Ruben Neves
Wolves are unlikely to sell their talisman mid-season, with the Atletico Madrid ace not considering a return to England at this stage.
That leaves the Portuguese international, whose contract with Al-Hilal expires in 2026 and will therefore be available at a reduced rate.
As revealed by Caught offsideThe Saudi Pro League side are willing to sign the 28-year-old for just €20 million, and contacts have been made with the likes of United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle.
The only problem is that the ex-Wolves ace currently earns £410,000 a week at Al-Hilal, and none of the England sides can afford such a big outlay.
The Turkish adventure beckons?
As things stand, Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce could lead the race as they have no qualms about paying such exorbitant wages.
“Al Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is keen to return to the Premier League amid transfer interest from Manchester United, Newcastle and Tottenham.
“Neves is now nearing the end of his contract with Al Hilal and could leave for as little as €20 million. That will certainly be attractive to many top clubs, and according to sources there have already been some “contacts” with Premier League clubs.
High wage demands make a move unlikely
“A major problem with Neves, however, is that he currently earns as much as £410,000 a week at Al Hilal, and this is going to be too expensive for most of Europe’s top clubs.
“As things stand, a move to Turkey may seem most likely for the 28-year-old, with Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe in the mix for his signature.”
Ruben Neves has proven himself in the Premier League and has the exact skills Amorim needs at the moment: the ability to shield the backline and the quality to break the lines with his sharp passing. Not to mention his poor long shots and set pieces.
But before a transfer becomes a reality, the former Porto player must lower his wage demands. Whether he agrees remains to be seen.
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