Manchester United reportedly face obstacles in their pursuit of Portuguese international midfielder Ruben Neves ahead of the January window.

According to Fichajes, Manchester United will face complications in their pursuit of Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves. The Red Devils have considered making a move for the 28-year-old Portuguese international in the winter transfer window, but complications such as negotiations with the player and the Saudi club’s stance may prove complex.

Manchester United fans had wanted the club to sign a new holding midfielder during the summer. The Red Devils were indeed linked with some top names in the market, including top target Carlos Baleba, although Brighton & Hove Albion had no interest in considering an offer and never named a price.

The Seagulls are expected to keep the midfielder, meaning Manchester United will not move for Baleba in January. Other names like Angelo Stiller were also mentioned late in the summer window, as the Red Devils ended deadline day with only Senne Lammens being their late arrival.

Manchester United are prioritising signing a new holding midfielder in January, and they may have a few key names on their shortlist. One of those is Ruben Neves, with the Red Devils now considering an approach for the 28-year-old Portuguese international.

Signing the Al-Hilal midfielder will not be straightforward by any stretch of the imagination, as the Saudi Pro League giants consider the 28-year-old Portuguese international as a key aspect of their squad. Since he arrived from Wolves as one of the first major PIF signings, there has so far been no indication from Al-Hilal of their willingness to sell.

Manchester United face complications in Ruben Neves chase

For starters, Al-Hilal may not show a willingness to sell in January, and secondly, Manchester United will expect Neves to demand a significant salary to join them. Moreover, Casemiro is expected to stay at least until the end of the season as he remains focused on playing regularly and with continuity before he features for Brazil in the World Cup next year.

The only caveat in the chase is that Ruben Neves’s contract with Al-Hilal expires next summer, which may allow Manchester United a fair route towards the 28-year-old Portuguese international. Hence, a move to Old Trafford could be within the realm of possibility for the player and the club, but the Red Devils must overcome every obstacle that falls in their way.