Wolves manager Bruno Lage has stated that Manchester United and Arsenal target Ruben Neves is worth up to £100m. This could be a major blow in signing the top Portuguese midfielder this summer.
The 25-year-old midfielder has had another strong season in the Premier League, with his performances attracting interest from a number of elite clubs in Europe.
Both the Gunners and the Red Devils are interested in signing the midfielder. While Liverpool and Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on him.
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Mikel Arteta wants to bolster his midfield this summer, while Manchester United may need to replace Paul Pogba, who is set to leave on a free transfer.
The speculation about a move to Old Trafford has increased in recent days, with incoming new manager Erik ten Hag looking to rebuild the squad.
Along with Neves, United has been linked with Declan Rice, Kalvin Phillips, and Jude Bellingham, and Lage has made it clear that the Wolves midfielder will not be cheap if he goes this summer.
While talking to Birmingham Live, he said:
“I don’t know if it’s Man Utd 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. When you have that player, the best thing to do is improve his salary and years of the 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 £100million to buy these kinds of players.”
Because Neves’ contract runs until 2024, Wolves have a strong position in the negotiations. Considering United’s bigger financial power, the Wolves board may ask the club to pay the full fee. Even Leicester did the same thing when Manchester United wanted to sign Harry Maguire years back, eventually signing him for £80m.
By looking at Lage’s words, we don’t think that Wolves will let him leave for anything less than £100m. If this is the case, then United may look to sign other cheaper alternatives like Kalvin Phillips, Jude Bellingham, or Boubacar Kamara.
