The latest Manchester United transfer news and opinion as we take a look at some of the latest stories doing the rounds at Old Trafford.
Amie is a football writer covering clubs across the country, she has been a football fan all of her life and supports Leicester City. She graduated with a degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology in 2015. Amie has previous experience in local radio in Leicester and Leicestershire.
Manchester United have been linked with a transfer interest in Ruben Neves ahead of the January window. (Image: Horvath Tamas/Getty Images)
Manchester United have a free week to prepare for their Premier League clash against Chelsea this weekend.
A lack of European football at Old Trafford this season means that Ruben Amorim can have extra time with his squad on the training pitch, and he will look to make the most of it.
United host Chelsea on Saturday afternoon (5.30pm kick-off). While United have not been in action, the Blues were in Munich on Wednesday night, losing 3-1 in the Champions League.
Amorim’s side will see the game as an opportunity to bounce back from the disappointment of last weekend’s 3-0 defeat against Man City at the Etihad Stadium. That loss leaves them in 14th place in the Premier League title and has caused a lot of talk over the future of the manager.
There has also been talk of possible business for the club in the January transfer window. Although the summer window closed just weeks ago, planning will already have started for its re-opening at the start of next year.
With that in mind, here is a look at a couple of the latest stories circulating, with our own thoughts added.
Ruben Neves interest
Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves is the latest player to be linked with a move to United ahead of the January transfer window. The Daily Briefing claims that the former Wolves midfielder is open to returning to European football, with Ruben Amorim seeing him as a good fit for his squad.
Neves is said to be available for around €20 million (£17.3m) in January. The player’s contract also runs until 2026, meaning that he will be able to agree a pre-contract on a summer move when the January window opens.
MEN Sport says: There is no doubt that United need to strengthen their midfield in the January window, and Neves has shown that he can do it in the Premier League during his time with Wolves.
Considering he is still 28 years old, £17.3 million is a good price and may be one to pursue if there’s a chance of getting a deal done. His contract situation could throw a spanner in the works, with him able to agree a pre-contract with any club, but United can’t afford to wait until the summer to strengthen their midfield options.
Kobbie Mainoo links
Kobbie Mainoo has again been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, following his request to leave the club on loan during the summer transfer window.
TalkSPORT reports that Newcastle United are now keeping tabs on the midfielder ahead of January. Eddie Howe is said to be an admirer of the player, and it is said that the Magpies could test United’s resolve if Mainoo’s situation at Old Trafford doesn’t change between now and the January window.
MEN Sport says: Mainoo’s contract situation means that United may have to consider any offers that come in in January, especially if he is still struggling for game time.
Should United be successful in bringing in new, deeper midfielders in the January window. Players including Carlos Baleba, Elliott Anderson, Adam Wharton and now Ruben Neves have been linked, they may even be open to sending him out on loan.
New additions will push Mainoo further down the pecking order and, therefore, reduce the game time that he will get in the second half of the season.
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