Neves not leaving in January
Ruben Neves is not expected to leave Al Hilal on loan this January, the Athletic reports. After a vote among Premier League clubs failed to gain enough support to block teams from signing players from associated clubs, there was talk Newcastle would look to loan Neves as a replacement for the banned Sandro Tonali.
However, Neves is set to stay in Saudi Arabia and fend off any interest from England, with the Mirror also reporting a temporary move to Arsenal is no longer on the cards either.
The Mirror adds: “Neves’ willingness to stay, coupled with injuries sustained by Al Hilal star men Neymar and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, means the former Premier League ace is now set to stay put at least until the end of the season.
“Arsenal’s interest in Neves could have led to an extremely awkward reunion for the Portugal international after he criticised the club for “over-celebrating” following a 1-0 win at Wolves back in February 2022 – comments which sparked outrage among Arsenal fans.”
Varane set for summer exit
Raphael Varane will leave Manchester United in the summer, The Sun reports, following claims the defender could depart in January with Bayern Munich said to be interested. Despite losing his starting place under Erik ten Hag, Varane will not seek a mid-season exit, and though he has been linked with a Real Madrid return, the Frenchman prefers a move to Italy or Saudi Arabia.
Varane is currently the fourth choice centre-back at United after Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans returned to the fold.
Sources told The Sun: “Leaving suits club and player, but he won’t be going anywhere in January. Ten Hag wants to keep the spine of his squad together to give United the best chance of making the top four. But in the summer, United will listen to offers.
“There’s already interest from Saudi Arabia where Varane could pocket a massive uplift in his wages. But he’s also keen on Italy as it’s a league he admires and would love to be a part of.”
Murtough expects to keep Man Utd role – for now
Manchester United’s football director John Murtough expects to play a role in the club’s transition once Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment is confirmed, the Telegraph reports. It had been claimed Murtough was set to leave United ahead of the expected reshuffle, but Murtough is hopeful of staying even beyond the period of change.
That is despite the fact Ratcliffe and Ineos are considering a number of replacements as the group scrutinise United’s recent dealings in the transfer market.
The report adds: “Telegraph Sport reported last week that, in addition to Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman and the former Tottenham recruitment chief Paul Mitchell, Atalanta’s Lee Congerton, the former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara and Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid are all under consideration for a director of football role.
“Ratcliffe had hoped to complete a deal by now but there are no guarantees it will be wrapped up before Thanksgiving holidays start in the US on Thursday and some close to the process fear it could be next week before an announcement is forthcoming.”
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