Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs eyeing a January swoop for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves.
A recent report from Fichajes has offered an update on Manchester United’s transfer policy in January. It appears the Premier League giants are prioritising a move for a midfielder, as new coach Ralf Rangnick looks to find solidity his second line of press.
The German tactician is keen on a potential reunion with Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig, but the youngster’s reported valuation of £32 million means Manchester United are open to other alternatives in the market. One of the players they are monitoring is Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
With almost 200 competitive games under his belt since his move to Wolves in 2017, Neves is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. His contributions in the middle of the park were essential to the club’s success under Nuno Espirito Santo, and the former Porto starlet has continued his good form even under the new coach Bruno Lage.
However, Neves’s long-term future at Molineux has become a subject of speculations in recent months. While the player does have a contract with Wolves until 2024, the club is suffering from an economic crisis at the moment and may need to part ways with a few of their star players. The West Midlands outfit is already preparing for life without Adama Traore amid interest from Liverpool.
Neves’s current situation at the Molineux has now put multiple clubs on red alert, with Manchester United, in particular, eyeing him as a potential alternative for top target Haidara.
Although it won’t be surprising to see the Portuguese international costing way more than the RB Leipzig midfielder, the player does offer vast experience in English football. He is, therefore, more likely to settle into life at Old Trafford, potentially emerging as an upgrade over Scott McTominay and Fred.
The 24-year-old may also prove to be a sensible long-term replacement for Nemanja Matic. The ageing midfielder has recently emerged as a target for Newcastle United, and it won’t be long before Ralf Rangnick sanctions the exit.
However, Manchester United are set to face stiff competition in the pursuit of Ruben Neves. The Wolves midfielder is courted by the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool, while Chelsea are involved in the equation as well. It all points to a rather exciting transfer saga as the English giants battle it out for the services of the Portuguese international in January.
