Man Utd to battle Newcastle for Portuguese star

Manchester United are set to compete with Newcastle United to purchase Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves during the winter transfer window, according to Caught Offside.

The Red Devils are aiming to shore up their midfield at the start of the year following injuries sustained by Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have been inconsistent as a pairing in midfield, and the latter has been prone to losing possession at regular intervals.

It is now claimed that United are weighing up a move for Neves whose contract with Al-Hilal expires at the end of the ongoing campaign.

Al-Hilal are open to selling him this winter for £18 million, but there is a possibility that they could offload the Portuguese for even less.

United are set to face fierce competition from the Magpies, who see him as a potential starter in a 4-3-3 set-up under manager Eddie Howe.

It remains to be seen whom Neves chooses. He was heavily linked with the Red Devils during his six-year spell with Wolverhampton Wanderers.