"At this stage": Romano reveals Man Utd's stance on signing "fantastic" £47m star in January

Manchester United could bolster their midfield department with a new signing at the turn of the year.

The Red Devils explored the possibility of landing a new defensive midfielder last summer, but nothing materialised in the end.

Ahead of the New Year, the club have been linked with a move for Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves, whose contract expires in June 2026.

The Portuguese, described as ‘fantastic‘ by manager Nuno Espirito Santo, has turned down a new deal at the Saudi Pro League club.

Al-Hilal signed Neves for £47 million in the summer of 2023, and appear prepared to sell him for £18 million or even less this winter.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has now revealed there is no news on negotiations between United and Al-Hilal regarding Neves.

The reputed journalist added that the Red Devils have been in touch with Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes, but no real negotiations have taken place thus far.

Romano also clarified that United have spoken to Mendes about several players and not just Neves.

He said: “Let me be clear, I didn’t post anything on Ruben Neves on my social media, because there is no news on Ruben Neves in terms of negotiations, in terms of bids, in terms of talks.

“What Manchester United did is to be in touch with the agent who also represents Ruben Neves. But Man United didn’t start a real negotiation with Ruben Neves, with Al-Hilal to sign the player.

“So at this stage, nothing is moving. They spoke about several players, not just Ruben Neves, several opportunities, something like ideas, opportunities, talents.

“Ruben Neves is represented by one of the most powerful agents in football. So that’s something absolutely normal, but nothing has really changed so far.”

Man Utd may not rush with Neves decision

The Portugal international has plenty of Premier League experience from his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made 219 appearances in the English top-flight for the Midlands outfit before his move to Saudi in 2023.

After a 30-month spell, Neves is prepared to return to English football next month. It is unsurprising that United have been credited with an interest, given they were once monitoring his situation at Wolves.

£18m may seem a bargain deal from the outside, but United will want the midfielder to accept a significant pay cut. He is currently on a weekly wage package of £294,000 in Saudi which is tax free.

Neves, who turns 29 in March next year, could demand £200,000 per week to join United, but the Red Devils may not pay him more than £150,000 weekly, which Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo earn.

In our view, United may not want to pay over the odds, having recently sought to lower their wage bill. If they can agree on personal terms with the midfielder, they could proceed with a formal transfer offer.

There are also underlying doubts about whether Neves can make an instant impact on his return to the Premier League, given that he has been playing at a lower intensity and standard in Saudi.

Hence, there is some degree of risk involved with United pursuing a deal for Neves. This should not hamper their prospects of landing a marquee defensive midfielder at the end of the season.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .