Jose Mourinho has reportedly scouted Wolves sensation Ruben Neves, who has emerged as a summer target for Manchester United.
According to Tribal Football, Manchester United have sent scouts to monitor Wolves sensation Ruben Neves. The report entails that Jose Mourinho has taken a liking to his compatriot and has sent scouts in order to keep a check on the midfielder, who has been running the Championship rampant.
Many were shocked at Ruben Neves’ arrival at Wolves, with people crediting the current manager Nuno Espirito Santo for his influence in the bid to bring in rising Portuguese stars. And the midfielder has taken to life in England well, playing a part in almost every fixture in the Championship whenever fit.
The 20-year-old’s industry and eye for goal seems to have attracted the attention of Jose Mourinho, who has already highlighted that one of Manchester United’s priorities in the summer will be to bring in one or, perhaps, two midfielders. The manager has drawn up quite a long shortlist and Ruben Neves seems to be the latest name to be added to the same.
Neves, at 20, is unlikely to warrant to be one of the first names on the team sheet and is likely to be satisfied with a squad rotation role in the beginning, which could help Mourinho add another quality midfielder to his squad, one who would partner Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic day-in day-out in a midfield three.
One major factor that could play in Manchester United’s favour is the fact that Ruben Neves has Jorge Mendes as his agent. Not only is Mendes also the agent of Mourinho, but the man has also played a key role in many-a transfer involving Manchester United.
According to the report, Mourinho has asked Mendes to keep him informed of any developments in the situation surrounding Ruben Neves.
However, there are some factors which may hinder Manchester United’s chances of securing a deal for Ruben Neves. For one, Wolves are braced to earn promotion to the Premier League, which could eliminate the advantage of Premier League football on offer that United could have used as an incentive.
Add to that the presence of Nuno Espirito Santo at Wolves – a manager who has been earning plaudits for his ability to attract players and for his playing style – and Neves could reject the charm of playing for a club as grand as Manchester United in favour of being a regular face on the team sheet for a club that is set for the Premier League and under a manager who has already placed his faith in him.
A deal that is likely to hinge on Jorge Mendes and whether Ruben Neves intends to move in the summer.
