Manchester United contacts Ruben Neves' agent, targeting more than one player! After missing out on Semenyo, focus shifts to midfield

Antoine Semenyo seems certain to transfer from Bournemouth to Manchester City during the January winter window, with Manchester United, who showed strong interest, missing out. United genuinely attempted to acquire him and thought success was possible. Yet, the 25-year-old Ghanaian winger favors a move to City, where he can fight for trophies and participate in the Champions League.

Manchester United missing out on Semenyo is not because of financial constraints. Although United has faced monetary limits recently, they still have the full capacity to afford the £65 million transfer fee. Currently, Ruben Amorin will concentrate his efforts on bringing in a new midfielder next month.

Reports indicate that Manchester United have made contact with Ruben Neves' agent. The midfielder’s contract with Saudi Arabian Professional League club Al Hilal is nearing its end, and he is entering the final six months, allowing him to negotiate freely.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Manchester United have reached out to the agent of the 28-year-old Portuguese international. "Manchester United have communicated with Ruben Neves' agent, discussing some opportunities and situations related to the player. However, United have not yet engaged in any concrete negotiations with Al Hilal. Let's see what happens next."

It is suggested that Ruben Neves wishes to leave Saudi Arabia in the upcoming winter transfer window, aiming to return to Europe. He wants to compete at a high level before the 2026 World Cup to better prepare for the tournament. So far, Neves’ team has rejected three contract renewal offers from Al Hilal, indicating his imminent departure.

According to Romano, the discussions between Manchester United and Neves' agent may involve more than one player, possibly several. The former Wolves midfielder is represented by super-agent Jorge Mendes’ Gestifute agency, which has recently linked multiple players to Manchester United.

For example, players represented by Gestifute include Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, as well as Romain Yamal, Vitinha, João Neves, and Alejandro Balde.

Ruben Neves and Atlético Madrid’s Conor Gallagher are considered realistic targets for the winter window, with a good chance of signing, unlike Elliott Anderson or Adam Walton, who are not only unlikely to move mid-season but also come with price tags exceeding £100 million.

Manchester United believe there is a chance to acquire Ruben Neves from Al Hilal for around £15 million, as his contract expires next summer; as for Gallagher, the price is capped at about £35 million.

Romano revealed that United still maintain contact with the agent of 25-year-old England international Gallagher, but Atlético Madrid refuse to loan him out, insisting on a permanent transfer only, otherwise no deal.

Regarding the winter transfer window, Manchester United’s 18-year-old left-back Diego León’s agent Renato Bittar firmly stated that the Paraguayan international will remain at United for the rest of the season. Despite rumors of a potential loan to Ligue 1 club Nice, owned by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Bittar told "ABC Cardinal TV" that the player has decided to stay.

The agent said: "We have been in constant contact with the club; León will stay at Manchester United for the entire season and will not go anywhere else. In my view, León should continue his development in Manchester. He currently plays for the under-21 squad and may also appear as a substitute in the first team matches."