Manchester United may only view Ruben Neves as a contingency option over their primary targets, as the midfielder could be available for a transfer.
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United’s interest in Ruben Neves is not thought to be extremely serious at this moment. The Red Devils view the Portuguese midfielder as a contingency option of sorts if they cannot sign their primary targets in future windows, particularly in January.
Ruben Neves has steadily emerged as a big option for many clubs in the market as his contractual situation with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal rumbles on. The Middle Eastern outfit are struggling to renew the Portugal international’s deal, which expires at the end of June next year.
Neves is open to considering offers, and a move back to the Premier League could be on the cards. Manchester United, Tottenham and Newcastle United are the ones keen, with either of those sides looking at his availability in January as a big plus point should they decide on signing a new midfielder.
The 28-year-old midfielder’s experience in the Premier League is also being taken into account, as Tottenham and Newcastle United are in the market for such a profile. However, it is Manchester United who were prepared to accelerate a move for Ruben Neves, but things might have changed in the background.
Manchester United only views Neves as a contingency option in the market, especially if they cannot sign their favoured targets. Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson or Carlos Baleba are unavailable in January, which could be a big reason for their interest in the Al-Hilal star.
Is the Ruben Neves deal complicated for Manchester United?
Signing Ruben Neves on the cheap about the transfer fee may seem feasible in the current moment, as Manchester United are not considering a big spend in January. However, his wages could play a big role, as well as his age.
The Portugal international will turn 29 before the new season begins next summer, and given his current salary, he will continue to demand significantly. Hence, there may be some reluctance on the part of Manchester United to offer him lucrative wages on a big contract, as they could prefer someone younger for the long-term future.
