Man Utd submit ‘formal offer’ for Casemiro replacement

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a “formal offer” worth €23 million for Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves.

The Red Devils are desperate to bolster their options in the middle of the park this year and Neves has been heavily linked with an Old Trafford switch as a cut-price alternative to the likes of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton.

The Portugal international has spent the last two-and-a-half years in Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal, but he is widely expected to leave the club in 2026 amid his desire to return to European football.

Man Utd have been labelled as one of Neves’ most likely destinations and the 13-time Premier League champions have now stepped up their pursuit of his signature ahead of Transfer Deadline Day on 2 February.

That is according to a shock report from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who claim that a €23m bid has been lodged by the Man Utd hierarchy as they look to tempt Al-Hilal into a winter sale.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers star will be available on a Bosman deal this summer, however it’s reported that Man Utd want to complete a deal before the end of the January transfer window in order to secure Neves’ signature.

Ruben Neves to replace Casemiro at Man Utd?

Interest in Neves comes amid rumours that Casemiro could depart Man Utd when his current contract expires at the end of June.

The 33-year-old is into the final few months of his existing deal at Old Trafford, although The Athletic have revealed that his contract will automatically be extended until 2027 if he starts 35 games across all competitions this season.

The Brazilian has already been included in the starting XI on 19 occasions this term and he will therefore need to start every single Premier League match until the campaign concludes in order to extend his current deal.

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