Varun Pai
Transfer News: Manchester United join Chelsea in race to sign Wolves star Ruben Neves in January
According to transfer news on Fichajes (h/t The Sun), Manchester United are set to battle Chelsea in January for the signature of Wolves ace Ruben Neves.
Ralf Rangnick has brought about some form of consistency back at Old Trafford. Two league victories and a top spot in the UCL group stages are enough to build upon in January. The German is already thinking about reinforcements, especially in the centre of the pitch.
The gaffer has apparently enquired about a move for RB Leipzig star Amadou Haidara. However, the German club is only willing to part ways with their prized asset for £32million. This has prompted the former RB Sporting director to look for alternatives in the market.
Boubacar Kamara is one of the names on the list, following his impressive displays with Marseille. However, a new name on the list is Ruben Neves. The Portuguese international is a pivotal player at the Molineux but could be available for £35million in January, with his contract set to expire in 2024. But rivals Chelsea are also interested in securing his services.
Would Ruben Neves be the right signing?
Man United have not made an addition to their midfield since promoting Scott McTominay to the senior fold. Thus, it certainly needs freshening and Rangnick has identified some viable targets. Kamara and Haidara are good options but Neves is not a bad player to bring in at Old Trafford as well.
The Wolves ace joined the club in 2017 and helped them secure Premier League football in his debut season at the club. Since then, he has impressed for them and has garnered reasonable experience of playing in the English top-flight. This could be considered an important quality as Rangnick would want a January signing to adjust seamlessly into a new squad.
Moreover, Nemanja Matic is being targeted by Newcastle United. If the Serbian does decide to leave, Neves could fill that vacancy and dictate play from the centre of the pitch. Paul Pogba, too, is likely to depart on a free transfer in the summer, indicating the importance of reinforcements in the coming transfer window.
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The 24-year-old still has several years ahead of him, and he could become one of the best in the league at Old Trafford. Bruno Lage may not want to let his central midfielder leave the club mid-season, but if the Red Devils pursue this deal in January, then nothing can be ruled out just now.
It is claimed that bids would start from the region of £35million, which isn’t the most exorbitant fee we can splash out on a proven PL midfielder.
