Man City ‘concerned’ rivals Man Utd will hijack big-money bid for midfielder
Drew Bartle Head Sports Editor
Manchester City are reportedly concerned that their cross-city rivals Manchester United will hijack their move for newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers Portuguese international midfielder Ruben Neves – according to Goal.
The 21-year old has been an instant impact in the Premier League with a free-kick goal and assist in his first three outing this season – even though Wolverhampton Wanderers have failed to pick up three points. However, the draw against Man City last weekend will have seen plenty of scouts from the blue side of Manchester watching Ruben Neves live against his potential next side – and would have liked what they saw.
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is now keen himself on his countryman and if he manages to see his reign continue to January, he will no doubt be looking for more incoming transfers to bolster his side after a frustrating summer window.
Wolves though, are reluctant to sell despite the Manchester clubs interest, and fought off late interest from City in the closing days of the summer window – especially after Pep Guardiola missed out on top target Jorginho to Chelsea.
Goal do suggest that Wolves may be more receptive in the January transfer window to selling Ruben Neves, but a bid of at least £60 million is likely to be what the owners of the Midlands club will be looking for.
An interesting subplot in all of this is that Jorge Mendes, the super agent involved in bringing in top talent to Wolves, is also the agent of Jose Mourinho. If a deal is done with City more willingly than United, then questions will be raised over the manager and agent’s future relationship – then again it could ultimately benefit United in bringing Neves to Old Trafford too.
