"Funds available": Man Utd now eyeing deal for £47m star after Carrick arrives - report

Manchester United could pursue a new midfielder after the appointment of Michael Carrick as their interim manager, according to The Guardian.

The Red Devils were fancied to reinforce their midfield department at the start of the year, but things went completely quiet after Ruben Amorim’s sacking.

However, the scenario has changed once again. The Guardian report that Carrick is set to take charge of the Red Devils on an interim basis on short notice.

The 44-year-old will be handed a small budget to bolster the squad, and it is claimed that Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is a top target for the Red Devils.

Neves was signed by the Saudi Pro League outfit from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £47 million in 2023, but his current contract expires at the end of the season.

The Portuguese star has his sights on returning to the Premier League. He could be available for £20m. United have ‘funds available’ to purchase him, as per The Guardian.

Neves would be a good winter acquisition for United

The Red Devils have held a long-term interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Crystal Palace ace Adam Wharton are likewise valued by the club, but none of them could be available during the ongoing transfer window.

It could take £80-100m to sign one of the above-mentioned trio. With the budget reportedly limited, United are unlikely to make a major outlay on their priority targets this winter.

The focus could be on a low-cost addition that could make a big difference in their pursuit of a top-four or top-five league finish to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Neves appears to be a no-brainer signing at £20m or even less, given his contract status.

The 28-year-old was a stand-out performer in his time at Wolves. During the 2022/23 season, he won an average of two tackles alongside two clearances and seven recoveries per league game.

Neves possesses a terrific work rate and can cover ground quickly in defensive situations too. He could be seen as an upgrade on Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte in the number six position.

A deal could ultimately depend on whether he accepts a significant pay cut. He earns a basic salary of £294,000 per week at Al-Hilal, which is tax-free.

United may put him in the £150,000 to £180,000 weekly bracket, which is where Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko currently lie.

Stats from Sofascore.com & Capology.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .