Chelsea offered chance to snatch United’s January midfield target as INEOS continue to dither – report

Manchester United are not expected to make any signings this winter, with all focus firmly on a squad overhaul in the summer. Nevertheless, with a clear desire to compete and at least secure Champions League football, Ineos may yet opt to make one or two necessary additions to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad options. Tasked with guiding United into Europe’s premier competition, the caretaker head coach needs every ounce of support he can get. Moreover, strengthening one of United’s weakest areas: the midfield, could prove a significant boost in Carrick’s bid to return the club to the Champions League stage. Neves Links According to a report relayed by The Peoples Person, United are prepared to spend £20 million on Ruben Neves if they sense the Al‑Hilal star is available. And there is now a clear indication that the former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder could be on the market. Transfer guru Dean Jones hinted at this while revealing an intriguing update on United’s winter target. Neves offered a chance to return to England Jones, via Teamtalk, claims Neves, who has entered the final six months of his contract with the Saudi Pro League side, has been offered to United’s league rivals. He admits: “Neves has also been presented to Chelsea…” “The 63‑time capped Portugal international is believed to be open to a return to the Premier League, confident that his experience and tactical strengths would allow him to make an immediate impact.” However, while the Blues could easily outmuscle United in the race for the 28‑year‑old, Jones admits: “The 28‑year‑old would bring leadership and a proven track record at the top level, but Chelsea are yet to be convinced that signing him would be the right move.” Indeed, “Chelsea are thought unlikely to pursue a deal at this stage, even though there is recognition internally that an extra midfield option could ease the workload on Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández during a demanding second half of the campaign.” Boost for United Consequently, such an update represents a major boost to United’s chances of landing Neves. Had Chelsea shown genuine interest, it would have seriously disrupted United’s transfer plans. In addition, Ineos have already missed out on another top winter target, Conor Gallagher, who has joined Tottenham Hotspur. Losing out on Neves as well would have been a bitter frustration. United must act Therefore, with it now clear that Neves is keen on a sensational Premier League return, the 20‑time English champions must act decisively. Securing the Portuguese midfielder could provide a vital lift to United’s engine room, which has too often struggled and been outclassed this season. Ultimately, Neves’ experience and technical ability as a deep‑lying playmaker may well prove the recipe for Carrick’s success in his short United tenure. Featured image Megan Briggs via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social   Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.