Neves Deal Collapses as Al-Hilal Swoop in; United Face Window Washout

The transfer window's final act looks set to be a damp squib at Old Trafford, with Manchester United poised to end January empty-handed after losing out on their midfield targets.

Ruben Neves, the former Wolves stalwart who had been earmarked as a priority option, is now deep in negotiations over a new three-year deal at Al-Hilal, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano. The 28-year-old's agent Jorge Mendes has been conducting advanced talks with the Saudi club, effectively shutting the door on a European return that United had briefly entertained.

United's interest in Neves was genuine enough at the window's outset. Romano revealed that discussions took place between the club and Mendes at the tail end of December, though no formal bid or concrete proposal ever materialised—a telling detail that speaks volumes about the club's commitment levels. The arrival of Michael Carrick and a subsequent shift in strategy appear to have cooled their ardour considerably.

Real Madrid and Newcastle United were also circling, but Neves and his representatives appear to have used the interest as leverage to secure improved terms in Saudi Arabia. The player himself is reportedly keen on staying put, with Al-Hilal equally determined to retain their man as his contract wound down.

"The negotiations are at an advanced stage," Romano explained. "Al-Hilal want Ruben Neves to stay, and the player is quite keen. Some details still need to be resolved, and we will see if everything is completed, but for sure this is a situation to follow closely in the next few days."

With the window slamming shut on Monday night, United have managed precisely one outgoing—Harry Amass's loan move to Norwich City—and show every sign of banking their resources for a potential summer rebuild. Joshua Zirkzee remains a flight risk, however, with Italian sources claiming Juventus are negotiating a temporary deal until season's end, though such a move remains far from certain at this stage.