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Ranking the five favourites to sign Ruben Neves this summer

Wolves are understood to be open to selling Ruben Neves this summer, with the midfielder deemed a saleable asset as the club look to raise funds for their summer recruitment.

The Portugal international has played a major role in Wolves’ return to the Premier League and reestablishment as a top-flight side, having emerged as a hugely exciting prospect at Porto before buying into the Midland club’s ambitious project.

Wolves are in need of a refresh this summer however, and recent reports have suggested Neves could be available for a fee in the region of £35m.

 

So for those of you who like to follow the latest odds and our looking for more info about bookmaker in Ghana, here are the five favourites to sign Ruben Neves this summer.

Porto – 16/1

Could Neves return to the club where it all began?

Neves emerged through the club’s academy ranks and was hailed as Porto’s brightest prospect, becoming the youngest captain in Champions League history when leading the Portuguese side aged just 18.

The midfielder was linked with a host of the world’s leading clubs before his shock move to second tier Wolves, with Jorge Mendes’ influence at Molineux having a major impact on the club’s ambitious recruitment.

Porto finished the season second in Portugal behind Sporting Lisbon and could be in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer, having seen Danilo Pereira complete a permanent move to PSG and Marko Grujic return to Liverpool after a season-long loan.

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Sergio Oliviera has also been linked with clubs in Italy, though it remains to be seen whether Porto could finance a deal for Neves, or if the player himself would fancy a return to the Estadio do Dragao

Manchester United – 12/1

Manchester United have been linked with a host of additions this summer with both Jadon Sancho and Kieran Trippier amongst the names on the club’s radar, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to strengthen his squad and bridge the gap to champions Manchester City.

One area of the Red Devils side in need of improving is central midfield, with the often maligned two-man axis of Scott McTominay and Fred having been regularly used in high-stakes fixtures.

Neves averaged more interceptions per game (2.2) than that duo last season, whilst his superior passing range was evidenced with 6.5 successful long passes per game, comfortably higher than both McTominay (2.9) and Fred (3.7).

The 25-year-old ranked fifth across the Premier League for tackles won in 2020/21 and could be the upgrade in central midfield that the Red Devils need in order to reach the next level.

Liverpool – 12/1

Liverpool are another side seeking reinforcements in midfield, with Georginio Wijnaldum having departed the club to sign for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Doubts also remain over the futures of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita, whilst James Milner will turn 36 midway through next season with a replacement needed soon rather than later.

Jurgen Klopp enjoyed success with the signing of Diogo Jota from Wolves last summer and the Reds have been priced at 12/1 odds reunite Neves with his former teammate at Anfield.

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Much may depend on outgoings for Liverpool this summer with the club also in search of a new addition to their forward line, the likes of Marko Grujic, Harry Wilson, Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri all available for transfer if suitable offers arrive.

Everton – 6/1

Everton’s transfer plans appear on hold at present until the unveiling of their new manager, with Rafael Benitez having emerged as the front runner following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure for Real Madrid.

The Toffees showed slight signs of progress last season with a fast start to the Premier League campaign, though tailed off and struggled for consistency with their home form a major concern.

The signings of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure added bite and drive to their midfield last summer, but the signing of Neves could provide Everton with the deep-lying conductor their side has truly lacked.

Neves’ ability to pick up possession from the backline and find forward passes would make a welcome change in an often workman-like midfield, with neither Andre Gomes or Tom Davies having demonstrated they can be the dictator to play through.

Arsenal – 1/1

Arsenal are the short favourites to secure the signing of Neves from Wolves this summer, the north London side having been strongly linked with a move for the Portuguese international in recent weeks.

Mikel Arteta is keen to overhaul his options following a disappointing season at the Emirates, the Gunners having missed out on European football altogether following an eighth-placed finish, despite pre-season optimism of reaching the top four.

The returns of Martin Odegaard and Dani Ceballos to Real Madrid after loan spells, alongside the impending departure of Granit Xhaka, leaves Arsenal in need of midfield additions as Arteta seeks to find the perfect partner to Thomas Partey.

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Neves’ creative control could perfectly compliment the all-action style of the Ghana international and provide Arsenal with a solid spine as they bid to challenge the Premier League’s best next season.

Like Liverpool, Arsenal are hopeful of raising transfer funds and have a number of saleable assets available, including Matteo Guendouzi, Lucas Torreria, Eddie Nketiah and Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Maitland-Niles came close to a £20m move to Wolves last summer and could represent an interesting sweetener should Arsenal look to finance a deal for Neves.

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