Newcastle United are expected to launch a summer move for the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves in the summer.
What’s the latest?
The Toon’s January transfer window was not exactly a hugely exciting one with only two new faces coming through the doors of St. James’ Park.
But significant money was still spent with Anthony Gordon costing the Magpies in the region of £45m with £40m of that sent to Everton in one lump sum.
However, there was speculation surrounding potential interest in Neves as his contract at Molineux continues to wind its way down to its conclusion next summer.
And speaking on his YouTube channel, Craig Hope has mooted a potential swoop for the Portuguese midfielder in the summer with Wolves possibly sweating over his contract situation:
(6:00) “I wouldn’t be surprised to see them revisit perhaps maybe from a Premier League perspective a Ruben Neves-type. I know he’s got admirers within the club.
“He’ll have a contract situation with only 12 months to run come the summer. Now again, you know, they’ll probably be a premium price on that. And there’ll be a lot of competition, but I know, he’s certainly got admirers within.”
An opportunity to be had
Aforementioned, Neves is now just 18 months away from his contract at Molineux running its course which means this summer will be the last opportunity for Wolves to really cash in on the midfielder.
And this is a player – hailed “extraordinary” by Cristiano Ronaldo – who has received reported interest from some of the biggest clubs around with the likes of Arsenal and Barcelona said to be interested in signing him.
However, if Newcastle continues on their upwards trajectory they could be in a position to offer the Portuguese midfielder Champions League football for next season.
Neves has ranked highly among other midfielders for his defensive contributions with the 25-year-old in the top 10 percentile for interceptions and top three percentile for clearances (via Fbref).
And in comparison to Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, the Portuguese star has provided more tackles and passes per 90 as well as more goals this season.
Considering Newcastle saw Jonjo Shelvey leave over January without any midfielders coming through the doors, it is a position which will likely need to be addressed in the summer.
And given there is still a reported interest in a potential big-money swoop for the attacking midfielder of James Maddison, a cheap option in Neves could prove a real steal to beef up Howe’s options.
