TalkSport journalist Alex Crook has provided some details about Ruben Neves and his future at Wolves.
The Portuguese midfielder has been an integral part of the Wolves setup in the past few years. He was a near ever-present as they finished 7th in back-to-back Premier League seasons, helping solidify their place in the top flight with 12 goals and seven assists.
That form has attracted attention, with reports in recent weeks suggesting that Chelsea are looking to sign him, on top of both Manchester clubs showing an interest in him last summer.
Speaking on TalkSport, Crook revealed that Manchester United have ‘reignited their interest’ in signing Neves, but explained some of the issues they might have in taking him away from Molineux this window.
He said: “We spoke about Ruben Neves to United last summer, they were certainly showing some interest then, my understanding is that interest has indeed been reignited. They are not the only club who have sounded out Wolverhampton Wanderers about the availability of their central midfielder; lots of Premier League clubs clearly admiring the player.
“He’s 24, Neves, he’s got two and a half years left on his contract, I think it would take a huge offer to persuade Wolves to business in this window, we’re talking between £50m-£60m – I’m not sure that Manchester United have that kind of cash that they’re willing to invest in this window; that will price a few clubs out, I think.
“But if he does stay, I would expect – and I know Wolves are expecting – a real fight to keep him next summer, so certainly one to pay close attention to.”
TIF Thoughts on Alex Crook’s comments about Ruben Neves and Wolves…
Is Ruben Neves Wolves' most important player?
Yes
No
Keeping Neves at the club with a view to potentially selling him next summer is probably the best-case scenario for Wolves when it comes to the midfielder’s future. Because whilst Neves might not be producing goals and assists at the same rate as he has done in previous seasons, he is still an important part of the team.
He leads the team in average passes per game with 56.2, leads the team in long balls with six per game and is fifth when it comes to pass completion with 83.2% (via WhoScored).
So they should use try and get as much out of him as they can, and if they fall short of qualifying for Europe, then it might be a good idea to sell him and reinvest. If he is able to take them into Europe, then he might just be convinced to stay for another season, but keeping hold of him this window first is going to be very important.
In other news: ‘This window really is the big one’ – Presenter drops interesting claim on Wolves ace’s future