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Fabrizio Romano confirms Man Utd disappointment in move for top January transfer target
Suraj Radia
- 29 Jan 2026 20:33 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Manchester United are set to miss out on one of their top January targets in an unexpected twist.
United have been hoping to bring in a midfielder this month but, with funds limited, the Red Devils are likely in need of a low-cost deal to add quality to their squad.
One of the more feasible deals on United’s radar was that of Ruben Neves, who is in the final six months of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal and had reportedly been looking to return to the Premier League.
Current ETV
Rúben Neves
DM, M (C)
Al-Hilal
Rúben Neves
DM, M (C)
Al-Hilal
ETV Range
€13.6M - €16.7M
United were believed to be monitoring the situation and were open to his arrival, knowing that a cut-price fee would have helped digest the cost of his significant wages, while Real Madrid were also among the sides interested in a deal.
However, Romano revealed on YouTube that Neves is now in ‘advanced negotiations’ over a new three-year contract with Al-Hilal, saying: “Man Utd had discussions with Jorge Mendes at the end of December, but they never made any bid or formal proposal. Ruben Neves was an option for several clubs, but now he is close to signing a new three-year contract at Al-Hilal.
“The negotiations are at an advanced stage. Al-Hilal want Ruben Neves to stay, and the player is quite keen. Some details still need to be resolved, and we will see if everything is completed, but for sure this is a situation to follow closely in the next few days.”
Man Utd leading towards quiet end to January transfer window
It now remains to be seen if United will sign a midfielder before Monday’s transfer deadline, having seen an improvement in form under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Carrick’s appointment earlier this month has seen impressive back-to-back wins against rivals Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal.
With United only competing in the Premier League for the remainder of the season, the club could look to hold onto resources until the summer unless an intriguing opportunity arises in the coming days.
Reports continue to link Jean-Philippe Mateta with a move to Old Trafford after Crystal Palace closed in on a new forward, with Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen and Aston Villa forward Evann Guessand in talks to join the Eagles.
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