Manchester United have suffered a major transfer setback as long-term target Ruben Neves is reportedly on the verge of signing a new contract with Al-Hilal. Despite holding talks with the Red Devils in December, the midfielder is in advanced negotiations to remain in Saudi Arabia, ending Michael Carrick's hopes of a January reinforcement.

Manchester United are set to accelerate their pursuit of Ruben Neves after reaching an agreement in principle with Michael Carrick to take over as interim manager. With the 44-year-old winning the race against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to succeed Ruben Amorim, INEOS are preparing to release funds immediately to land the £20m-rated Al-Hilal star in the January transfer window.

The January transfer window is fast approaching, and clubs will once again be scrambling to strengthen for the second half of the season. In the 2025 winter market, £1.2 billion ($1.4bn) was spent across Europe's top leagues and the English Championship, the highest mark in seven years, with Manchester City accounting for £191 million ($256m) of that amount alone.

Real Madrid have reportedly 'rejected' the signing of three big-name stars ahead of the January transfer window, as Los Blancos plan for their future amidst the intense recent pressure placed upon head coach Xabi Alonso. The three players in question all see their contracts expire on June 30, 2026, and so will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs from January 1. Real have often used this tactic to secure top signings, but have reportedly been offered and rejected the trio.