Wolves manager Bruno Lage has claimed that midfielder Ruben Neves is worth £100 million amid interest from Barcelona and Manchester United.
Speaking to the media, as quoted by the Daily Mail, Wolves manager Bruno Lage has claimed that he believes it will cost around £100 million for suitors to sign midfield mainstay Ruben Neves, a target for Barcelona and Manchester United.
Ruben Neves has been with Wolves since 2017, when he arrived from FC Porto. Having helped the Midlands club to promotion to the Premier League in his debut season, the Portuguese international has developed into one of the most reliable performers in the English top flight.
The 25-year-old’s growth at the Molineux has seen him attract the interest of several top clubs from across Europe. Indeed, Neves has been long linked with a move to Manchester United. Reports earlier this week indicated that he will be the Red Devils’ top target once new manager Erik ten Hag takes over.
Barcelona are also in the race to sign the Portuguese midfield superstar, having held an interest in him for a long time. So, even though he is believed to be in contract talks with Wolves, there is a chance that Neves could move on in the summer. And manager Lage has claimed that it might take up to £100 million for suitors to sign his compatriot.
? Bruno Lage on Ruben Neves:
“He puts our team on a different level. The best thing is to improve his salary and give him more years of contract, but we know the big teams are there with £100m.”#WWFC | #Wolves pic.twitter.com/VaKTrxsGHK
— Talking Wolves (@TalkingWolves) April 7, 2022
“I don’t know if it’s Man United or other teams, what I know is we have a special player here with us. What he is doing this season is very good. I think also the way we play, he can show a better Ruben, and also the way he plays puts our team on a different level,” he said.
“When you have that player, the best thing to do is improve his salary and years of contract. But who knows, when you have a top player like him in that specific position, that can defend and attack, and is a top professional and a great man, the big teams are there with £100 million to buy these kinds of players,” Lage added.
Neves, who is currently out with a knee injury, has a contract with Wolves that runs until the summer of 2024. It remains to be seen if either Barcelona or Manchester United would be willing to splash that kind of money to secure his signing in the summer transfer window.