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Manchester United could make another attempt to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves this summer.
Fans will remember that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer always seemed to appreciate the Portuguese international and held an interest in signing him.
However, a move did not materialise with the club almost always going into a summer transfer window optimistically but then failing to sign a quality midfielder.
Under Erik ten Hag, any pursuit of the Portuguese international has died down for the most part with the new manager preferring to target Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong. Interest in Neves hasn’t totally been eliminated, though, with reports linking United to him still coming out throughout the season.
According to Spanish outlet Sport via Sport Witness, Man United have already made an approach to sign the midfielder this summer.
Barcelona are another club that are keen on signing Neves, with interest ramping up in recent weeks. The Spanish side are currently ahead in the race as the midfielder has prioritised a move to La Liga over United
However, financial restrictions could prevent any deal being executed with reports coming out that they need to cut a big sum of money from their squad.
Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes has been helping behind the scenes with the Wolves midfielder agreeing a potential exchange deal involving Ansu Fati. This deal seems far away with little talk of anything being sanctioned from both clubs.
It has also been said by Mundo Deportivo (also via Sport Witness) that Mendes is “fixated” with getting his player to Barça when the Blaugrana head coach, Xavi, is not interested.
At this moment of time, Mendes’ mission could mean that negotiations with clubs such as United are being put on hold as he prefers to wait to hear about Barca’s situation.
The outlet reports that manager Ten Hag has ‘probed’ the midfielder for next season. Neves may have to consider a transfer to United with it widely viewed that his ‘cycle at Wolves would be over after this season’.
The Red Devils go into the transfer window looking to secure a new midfielder and a striker but who that will be depends on whether they qualify for the Champions League and what happens in the takeover process.