Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Manchester United transfer news: Ruben Neves interest stepped up as Erik ten Hag targets slip away

Wolves star Ruben Neves

Manchester United will step up their efforts to sign Ruben Neves from Wolves after reports claimed Erik ten Hag is a huge admirer of the midfielder.

The new United boss needs to strengthen his midfield now he has taken the reins. Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata are all heading for the exit door. Reinforcements are needed and Neves now appears to be a top target.

The interest is nothing new. Former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen on the midfielder. Indeed it is thought United failed with a £35million offer back in the January window. Wolves refused to sell at that price but the Sun claim that United will try again.

They say that Ten Hag is a big fan and would like to get Neves on board. The move also comes after a couple of United targets became unobtainable.

Frenkie de Jong is a player that Ten Hag knows well from Ajax. He is now at Barcelona but a reunion at Old Trafford has been mooted. Such a switch looks to be off the menu as the Dutchman is ready to fight for his future at the Nou Camp.

Elsewhere Declan Rice is looking way too expensive.  West Ham are looking for £150million and that’s too rich even for a club like United.

Kalvin Phillips is another target. However his allegiance to Leeds United will see him head elsewhere if he does leave Elland Road.

It all adds up to United pushing hard to get a deal done for Neves. The Portuguese ace recently hinted at a move away from Molineux. He accepts a footballer’s career is short and opportunities have to be taken.

Manchester United send Frenkie De Jong ultimatum

Manchester United send Frenkie De Jong ultimatum

Having been linked with Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong for some time, Manchester United are now looking for a definitive answer.

The 25-year-old could now get the opportunity to switch to United. Wolves would prefer to keep hold but realise Neves is ambitious and could look to leave. He is under contract until 2024 so there is no pressure to sell.

However his value will steadily drop as time ticks on that deal. This summer will represent the best opportunity to cash in. Wolves will be looking for £50million.

Ruben Neves perfect for Ten Hag

United are crying out for a player like Neves in the engine room at Old Trafford. And he has proven he can do it week in week out in the Premier League.

He has now made over 200 appearances for Wolves and is still at a really good age. Neves’ best years are still ahead of him. He is the true professional and just what United need on the pitch and in the dressing room. Ten Hag will have done his homework on him, hence his eagerness to sign him.

£50million also represents good value compared to the figure West Ham want for Rice. Neves could be in the United engine room for years to come and is the perfect player to help start the rebuild.

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