Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Manchester United keeping tabs on Ruben Neves
According to 90min (h/t Birmingham Live), Manchester United are in the fray for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves in the summer transfer window.
The Portugal international has heavily been linked to Arsenal since the end of last season. United who were previously said to be interested remain keen following an endorsement by Bruno Fernandes.
Both players are currently with the Portuguese squad at the Euros. The defending champions will begin the defence of their title against Hungary on Tuesday.
According to the report, United are keen on securing West Ham United star Declan Rice. However the English international will not come cheap and could cost upwards of £100m.
Neves meanwhile will be a cheaper alternative, costing between £35m to £40m. The 24-year-old is already an experienced player and is used to playing in the Premier League.
United already have the likes of Paul Pogba, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay, Fred and Nemanja Matic who can all play in central midfield. Neves is an excellent passer of the ball and will offer us something different when it comes to building from the back.
It would be amiss to compare Rice with Neves since both players serve different functions. While the former will add solidity to our midfield, the latter will offer more going forward.
Neves has been a key player for Wolves the last few years. The Molineux outfit now looks set to part ways with the midfielder. Wolves could need to sell Neves and Adama Traore in order to fund this summer’s recruitment, paving the way for United to make their move.
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As things stand, it could be a direct duel between United and Arsenal for Neves. With Champions League football to offer, it can be argued that we are in this moment a more attractive proposition. Whether we do go on to land him remains to be seen.
