Manchester United “determined” to secure midfielders signature

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United are “determined” to acquire the services of Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves before the end of the January transfer window.

Reports have suggested that the Red Devils are set to prioritise the signing of a holding midfielder with Neves “amongst several candidates being linked with a move to Old Trafford”.

The Portuguese international has played an integral role in Wolves cementing their status as a Premier League club since returning to the top-flight in 2018 and showcased his ability first-hand in their victory at Old Trafford on Monday.

Alongside fellow countryman and long-time teammate João Moutinho, the former Porto academy graduate provides the base for his teammates to build from, an attribute United have distinctly lacked of late.

“It’s normal in football,” Neves said, speaking to Portuguese outfit Record last month, seemingly addressing the rumours in advance:

"Whenever there’s a transfer market there’s a lot of talk, but my goal and focus are on Wolverhampton and I’m not going to change that, things have been going really well for me.I still have a lot to learn, I have a lot to give here. The future will be seen soon, I like to live in the present and I’m happy, I feel great in Wolverhampton and I’ll focus here, because if I do things right I’m sure the future will be bright. My goal will always be to give my best and give even more for the club."

Has the door been left open for a Manchester United move?

If the ambiguous nature of these comments are anything to go by, the door to a move away has been left ajar, but whether a deal such as this could be completed in January is yet to be seen.

Signing a player of Neves’ pedigree midway through the season will add a premium to his price tag, especially when taking into consideration his importance to the West-Midlands side.

The aforementioned is amongst a growing list of defensive midfielders linked with a move to United, including Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara.

Whilst those in charge at Manchester United will no doubt have their eyes on the summer transfer window for significant investment, the precarious nature of their season owes to the need for reinforcements.

New manager Ralf Rangnick has struggled to impose his notorious philosophy since arriving at Carrington and backing in the window may be the vote of confidence needed to get his playing staff on board.

We will be sure to keep you updated as this story unfolds.