Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in Ruben Neves, who is also a target for fierce local rivals Manchester City.
According to a report by Daily Express, Manchester United are back in the hunt for Wolves’ midfield maestro Ruben Neves. The Red Devils are plotting a summer move for the Portuguese sensation, who is also being tailed by bitter rivals and defending Premier League champions Manchester City.
Ruben Neves had left many surprised when he joined Wolves from FC Porto in the summer of 2017, when he had been tipped to move on to a bigger club instead. But, the Midlands club, with their clout in the Portuguese market, made quite a coup by signing the midfielder, who has been quite a hit at the Molineux.
The player’s maiden campaign in the Premier League has been quite impressive as well. The 21-year-old has played a key role in Wolves’ rise up to 7th on the table, even chipping in with four goals and two assists. And, his exploits have seen Manchester United and Manchester City being linked him right from the early days of the season.
At Manchester United, Neves’ qualities could help make him a long-term replacement for two positions. While Ander Herrera is facing an uncertain future at Old Trafford, with his contract set to run out this summer, Nemanja Matic is on the wrong side of 30 and will likely need a successor soon, having already shown signs of age catching up to him.
Manchester City, on the other hand, need someone to succeed long-time midfield general Fernandinho, who is now 33 and very much in the twilight of his career. Thus far, the Premier League champions have tried and failed to find a long-term replacement, but Neves could just be the player they are looking for.
Tanguy Ndombele is another player who has been reportedly linked with both the Manchester clubs as a possible option for a similar position, but the report from Express suggests that the interest in Neves is serious as well.
Manchester United though, are unwilling to meet Wolves’ £100 million valuation of the 21-year-old, while City’s stand on the asking price is not known. So, it remains to be seen if the Midlands club drop their demands in exchange for the player, or if they intend to keep hold of him by pricing him out of a possible exit from Molineux.
Till then, the report claims Manchester United and Manchester City will continue to monitor his progress, and it goes without saying that Ruben Neves is one for the future, and present, by the looks of it.
