Man Utd prepare £17m January onslaught as Romano reveals truth behind ‘secret’ target

A report from Portugal claims Manchester United are preparing an offer for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves, while Fabrizio Romano ushers an update on another target.The Red Devils have yet to make a significant move on the market. Their only operations thus far have revolved around youngsters, including Toby Collyer, whose loan spell at West Brom was interrupted, and is now finalising a new loan move to Hull City.Nevertheless, many sources have tipped INEOS to sign a new midfielder this month, at least if they manage to find a suitable option.With Bruno Fernandes returning to his original attacking-midfielder role following Ruben Amorim’s departure, Michael Carrick has limited options at his disposal for the double pivot.Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro are now considered the main choices, with the unsettled Manuel Ugarte the only natural alternative.The Uruguayan has suitors in the shape of Galatasaray and Ajax, but United would only entertain offers if they add another midfielder to their ranks.So, the question remains: Will Man Utd seriously pursuea new midfielder in January, or delay the hunt until the summer?Man Utd plotting a move for Ruben NevesIn recent weeks, Ruben Neves emerged as a transfer target for several top clubs around Europe, especially since his contract with Al-Hilal will expire at the end of the season.While United officials had reportedly held exploratory talks with Neves’ agents last month, Portuguese portal Record claims that the Premier League giants are now willing to make an offer worth €20 million (approximately £17 million) to sign the Portuguese midfielder.(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)The Red Devils are expected to ring the changes in the middle of the park in 2026, but their primary targets (Anderson, Baleba, and Wharton) won’t become available until the summer.Therefore, it remains to be seen if Man Utd will try to put their plans in motion by turning their attention to the former Wolves star, who is currently available on a cut price thanks to his expiring contract.Romano denies Man Utd plans for Ruben Loftus-CheekOn a related note, press reports have also linked Man Utd with AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who was described as the ‘secret’ target.But in the latest video uploaded on his official YouTube channel, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano insisted that MUFC didn’t make any contact for the former Chelsea star, who isn’t on the club’s shortlist.With just over 10 days remaining before the closure of the January transfer window, the answer to all speculations should soon come to light.