Manchester United face Newcastle United in the only Premier League match on Boxing Day this year.
The Red Devils have shown vast improvement over the past couple of months, but suffered a defeat against high-flying Aston Villa last time out.
That loss left Ruben Amorim’s side seventh in the Premier League table, and the Portuguese will be hoping to see his side end 2025 on a positive by beating the Magpies.
Now, though, with the January transfer window around the corner, it has emerged that United have their sights set on a former Premier League midfielder.
As per CaughtOffside, United are turning their attention to Al Hilal star Rúben Neves as they search for midfield reinforcements.
The report claims that both Man United and Newcastle are monitoring the Portugal international, who is said to be keen on the idea of a return to England.
Neves, 28, spent six years in England with Wolves before departing to join Saudi side Al Hilal in 2023.
Neves could be on his way back to England in January (Photo: Alexandre Sousa/Alamy)
Since then he has made more than 100 appearances for the Pro League side across all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing 25 assists.
The report claims that Neves himself has given interested clubs encouragement that he would be willing to return to the Premier League if clubs are prepared to make suitable offers.
Neves’ current contract with Al Hilal – set to run until the end of the season – is said to earn him in excess of £400,000-per-week, which could prove to be an obstacle to English sides attempting to sign the player.
Over the summer United were linked with a move to sign Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, but they ultimately failed in their efforts.
Man United and Newcastle could also face fierce competition in the race to sign Neves, with Italian sides Inter Milan and Juventus said to be keeping tabs on the Portuguese.