Tottenham ‘preparing offer’ for Ruben Neves, Newcastle development opens door to January transfer
Tottenham are about to take a giant step towards completing the signing of Ruben Neves in the January transfer window.
The Portuguese has been away from the Premier League since he swapped Wolves for Al-Hilal back in 2023, but it now looks increasingly likely that he could return from Saudi Arabia this winter.
Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness recently told Football Insider that Neves could be available for as little as £15million this winter, a price which has alerted several Premier League clubs.
Thomas Frank’s Spurs are keen to add to their midfield ranks in January, and they may soon have Neves in their grasp after recent developments.
Tottenham prepare Ruben Neves offer as Newcastle deal unlikely
Newcastle are now unlikely to move for Neves in January, as they are seemingly keen to pursue younger targets, and that looks set to open the door for Tottenham to seal a deal.
The Lilywhites are understood to be “preparing an offer” for the 28-year-old ahead of the window, according to Turkish outlet Sabah.
Manchester United are also interested in signing the former Wolves star, while Galatasaray are also keen admirers of him.
Neves’ contract with Al-Hilal expires in the summer, and it is understood that he is “ready to leave” Saudi Arabia after two-and-a-half years in the Middle East.
With Newcastle seemingly cooling their interest and Tottenham ready to work towards tabling a concrete offer, the door appears to be firmly ajar for Frank’s men to conclude a deal this winter.
Spurs’ move for Neves could put Joao Palhinha deal in doubt
It had looked extremely likely that Tottenham would move for loanee Joao Palhinha on a permanent deal, but that move could potentially be cast into doubt if they win the race for Neves.
Frank has opted to start Palhinha from the bench in recent weeks, which had seemed inconceivable at the start of the campaign, when he was integral to his team.
Neves is a player of similar experience to his countryman and is arguably slightly more of a creative threat in the middle of the park.
Tottenham are already blessed with plenty of options in the centre of midfield, and if they do win the race for Neves, then it could easily result in movement elsewhere in the squad.
The fact that he is only on loan at the moment means that the North Londoners remain fairly flexible in regards to his future, and that could make him a potential fall guy.