Portuguese midfielder did not renew contract with Al-Hilal during round of negotiations with foreign players.
Ruben Neves could leave Saudi Arabia when the January transfer window opens. According to The Times, the Portuguese wants to return to the Premier League and has already attracted interest from clubs in the world's top league.
The English newspaper reports that Manchester United and Newcastle have taken note of a potential deal, as the 28-year-old refused to sign a new contract with Al-Hilal, where he has spent three seasons.
The midfielder's spell at the club came to an end following a round of negotiations initiated by the Saudi side to renew contracts with their foreign players. However, the offer to the Portuguese met with resistance from the player, who is reportedly determined to leave the club.
Al-Hilal open to January sale
On the other hand, Al-Hilal are exploring the possibility of allowing Ruben Neves to leave before the end of his contract, as a way of recouping part of the €55m (£48.5m) paid to Wolverhampton for the player in 2023.
Also according to The Times, the Saudi club could demand up to €20m (£17,5m) for the transfer. However, as interested clubs would have the upper hand given the circumstances, a much lower fee could be enough to secure Neves.
The low price tag makes a move for the Portuguese even more attractive, as Ruben has extensive Premier League experience, having spent six seasons at Wolves.
In addition to Newcastle and Manchester United, West Ham and Wolverhampton themselves have also been mentioned as interested parties, according to The Times.
Red Devils could move for immediate solution
In the case of United, opportunity and necessity could align. The Red Devils are facing problems in midfield, an area where Neves could slot in “immediately”. This is because manager Ruben Amorim has shown little faith in Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, leaving Casemiro as the only option for the role.
Mainoo's future at the English club remains uncertain. But should United opt to loan out the 20-year-old, a new signing would become even more necessary.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have undergone squad changes since the arrival of Ruben Amorim. In the summer transfer window, departures included Antony, Garnacho and Rashford, but could also have included Bruno Fernandes.
The 31-year-old midfielder was a target for Al-Hilal, but chose to stay at Old Trafford. Reflecting on the situation on the Portuguese programme “Soltinhos Pelo Mundo” on Canal 11, the player stated that the English club would not have stood in his way.
“Manchester United wanted me to leave, I have that in my head. I think they did not have the courage because the manager (Ruben Amorim) wanted me here, but from the club's side, I felt that ‘if you go, it would not be so bad for us'. It hurts me. More than that, it makes me sad. I always give my best,” said the Red Devils star.
The number 8 stressed that he feels valued at United, but does not rule out being “on thin ice” due to his age. “In England, if a player reaches 30, they think you need to rebuild. The question of loyalty is not as well regarded as it used to be,” he added.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
