Wolves are digging their heels in over the prospective transfer of Ruben Neves to Manchester United, with reports suggesting that they are confident of keeping hold of the midfielder until the summer.
United had made the Portuguese player a target, according to SunSport, but their £35milllion valuation of the Portuguese international is a bit short of what Wolves want for the player, the club hoping for at least £5milllion more.
Arsenal are also keen on the player, but it would take a huge offer to convince Wolves to depart with the 24-year-old.
He has two years remaining on his deal at Molineux and is happy there – but it’s thought he holds a desire to one day play in Europe.
Boss Bruno Lage is a huge admirer of Neves and has publicly declared his belief in his ability.
It had been a torrid start to the season but now Wolves are now in contention to play in Europe, sitting just four points off Manchester United with a game in hand.
Should they obtain a spot there, it would grant them a great deal more leverage in keeping Neves, who has maintained that playing at the top level means more to him than money.
Adama Traore looks set to leave to Barcelona after seven years away. He is currently in Spain undergoing a medical ahead of a loan move to the Nou Camp with an option-to-buy clause attached.
United are crying out for support in the holding midfield position. Scott McTominay and Fred have seen their performances improve under Ralf Rangnick but still problems persist.
So far the northwest club has been reluctant to spend in the January transfer window, likely as an entirely new manager will be in the dugout for them come the end of the season.