Tottenham have reportedly joined Arsenal and other European heavyweights in the race to sign Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. A player, that Jose Mourinho lauded for his press in 2018; saying, he “likes to bite”.
Neves, 25, remains one of the best midfielder in the Premier League outside the top six, clocking up more than 200 appearances for Wolves since he joined the club from Porto five years ago. He has a contract until 2024.
The Portugal international is expected to be the subject of intense interest this summer. 90Min report that Tottenham, Arsenal, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the chase for the midfielder. Neves is ready to leave Molineux.
His manager, Bruno Lage, recently spoke about the player’s future – claiming he is worth £100million. Now, Spurs are ready to chance their arm and bring Neves to North London with the top four in potential sight.
Speaking about Neves in 2018, Mourinho told MEN: “They [Neves and Joao Moutinho] press in midfield, these two Portuguese boys, they are the kind of players that likes to bite, to press, they don’t give you time on the ball.”
Mourinho on Neves: Wolves star is perfect for Tottenham
If the price is right. Of course, £100million is out of Tottenham’s reach, even if they decide to cash in on Harry Kane – which is looking increasingly unlikely, as Manchester City close in on the addition of Erling Haaland.
A fee similar to the one that saw Spurs buy Tanguy Ndombele is much more likely. Antonio Conte prefers defensive-minded midfielders in the middle of the park – Rodrigo Bentancur, Oliver Skipp, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg etc.
Harry Winks’ future is in doubt and replacing the England international with Neves would be a wonderful bit of business. Even perhaps, suggesting Winks in a deal would help drive the price down.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
