‘Negotiations at final stages’: Romano drops Thursday afternoon update on Utd target that’ll have INEOS on red alert

Fabrizio Romano via YouTube. Unfortunately for Manchester United, Ruben Neves is set to extend his tenure with Al-Hilal rather than finding a new club this month.In recent weeks, the Red Devils have been strongly linked with Neves amid his uncertain future in Saudi Arabia.Al-Hilal and Ruben Neves: What’s gone on in recent months?(Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)With his contract due to expire in June, Al-Hilal had tabled numerous proposals in hopes of tying the 28-year-old down to new terms – all of which were to no avail.The club were, understandably, reluctant to lose him for nothing come the summer, so had reportedly placed a £20 million price tag on Neves for any of his suitors to shell out in the winter window – hence United’s name being among the mix, as they continue to scour the market for cut-price midfield options.Fabrizio Romano has now revealed this afternoon that there has been a breakthrough in talks with the Saudi Pro League leaders and Neves.He claims that ‘negotiations are at final stages’ with an ‘agreement advancing’ for the Portuguese international to sign a new three-year deal, despite ‘interest from Europe’. 🚨🇸🇦 Negotiations at final stages now between Ruben Neves and Al Hilal over new long term deal. Agreement advancing over three year contract despite interest from Europe. 🎥 https://t.co/x51of473GZ pic.twitter.com/htcXb6CUpu — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2026Neves opts against Europe return to continue in Saudi(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)Should Neves see out the new contract, he will have played in the Middle East for six years by the time it runs out.Al-Hilal paid Wolverhampton Wanderers £47 million to sign their skipper back in 2023 after he had racked up 177 Premier League appearances across five seasons in the top flight.It’s thought that Neves was frequently on United’s shortlist throughout the years he was plying his trade in England, yet they never materialised their interest with a formal bid or approach.From Neves’ perspective, he’ll know that playing as much football as possible and keeping himself match fit is absolutely crucial from now until Portugal kick off their World Cup campaign.