Jorge Mendes’ rumoured stance comes to light after Ruben Neves decides to make ‘big sacrifice’ in attempt to join Real Madrid: Reports

Al-Hilal midfielder Ruben Neves - a Manchester United target - is reportedly willing to take a massive pay-drop to join Real Madrid. The Portugal international is out of contract at the end of the season.

Neves, 28, who arrived at Al-Hilal from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2023, has been a key player, registering 14 goals and 25 assists in 108 games across competitions. That includes five goals and an assist in 17 outings this season, including four strikes in 10 matches in the Saudi Pro League.

The former Wolves player's current deal expires in the summer, and his name has appeared in United's shortlist, with captain Bruno Fernandes out for a few weeks due to a muscle injury. However, Neves is seemingly willing to join Los Blancos instead while taking a significant salary reduction.

As per Defensa Central (via Football 365), the 28-year-old - who earns €18 million currently in the Kingdom - is prepared to earn just €6 million, a 66% pay sacrifice his agent, Mendes, finds 'crazy'. Nevertheless, Madrid president Florentino Perez appears unwilling to sign the player, who's also unlikely to join United, as there have been no negotiations, bids or talks.

“Let me be clear, I didn’t post anything on Ruben Neves on my social media, because there is no news on Ruben Neves in terms of negotiations, in terms of bids, in terms of talks," transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said. “What Manchester United did is to be in touch with the agent who also represents Ruben Neves. But Man United didn’t start a real negotiation with Ruben Neves, with Al-Hilal to sign the player."

Los Blancos are missing midfielder Federico Valverde due to a muscle injury, but Neves doesn't seem to be an option at the moment.

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"Xabi is a very good coach" - Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos on Xabi Alonso

Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso

Legendary Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has no qualms that Xabi Alonso has the credentials to coach his former club. Alonso succeeded Carlo Ancelotti this summer but has had a tough stint.

Having taken Madrid to the FIFA Club World Cup semi-finals, Alonso's side relinquished their La Liga lead to Barcelona after a mid-season slump, heaping the pressure on the Spaniard. However, he has support from Kroos, who told Marca:

“The most difficult thing as a coach is to train in Madrid. It’s a different pressure. Here you can win games and no one is happy. There are few clubs like that. In addition, if you draw or lose, which has happened lately, the reactions are different because the club is not used to this and the criticism increases. “You always need results, but I’m convinced that Xabi is a very good coach and that he has the quality to train in Madrid, you have to give time. But we all know what Real Madrid means – Xabi more than most, and he knew before signing here what could happen.”

Real Madrid are next in action against Real Betis at home in Liga on Sunday (January 4).

Edited by Bhargav