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Porto president’s 2015 comments on Wolves target Ruben Neves make interesting reading now

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Wolves are set to sign Ruben Neves.

Wolves are the talk of European football as they close on sealing a stunning move for Porto midfielder Ruben Neves.

The Mail report a £14 million fee has been agreed for Neves, who had been interesting Premier League clubs.

The 20-year-old has captained Porto and played in the Champions League already in his career, and has taken fans and pundits aback by his impending switch to the Championship.

FC Porto's Ruben Neves during trainingFC Porto’s Ruben Neves

Just as surprising is Porto’s willingness to part with the midfielder.

While they are in need of cash, there are other assets in their squad they could sell instead of Neves to raise money.

Just two years ago Porto president Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa was absolutely adamant Neves would not be leaving.

Not just at the time, but he vowed he would never be sold.

Da Costa told O Jogo, The Metro reported at the time: “We would like to keep him at FC Porto, as a kind of Joao Pinto,’

“That is, he was a symbol and legend of the progress of the club for several generations. I never want him to leave Porto.”

Picture Supplied by Action ImagesPicture Supplied by Action Images

His stance then makes Wolves imminent deal now seem even more impressive.

The defensive midfielder has made 93 first team appearances for Porto, although he did lose his place as a regular starter last season.

Suddenly considered expendable, Neves has a big reputation to live up to at Molineux.