Wolves boss Bruno Lage has provided an update on Ruben Neves’ future amid interest from and Liverpool.
– and Lage could not promise that Neves remain with Wolves before the September 1 deadline.
Neves, who scored during the 1-1 draw with on Sunday, told Wolves at the end of last season that he wanted to quit but the club’s asking price, believed to be around £70m, put off potential suitors.
His contract expires in 2024, meaning he would be available for a more affordable price next summer, but Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with a late swoop in the current window.
Liverpool are long-term admirers of Neves – and with Jurgen Klopp’s admission that they need to sign a midfielder – they may look to bring him to Anfield a year early.
Arsenal, too, are thought to be keen with Mikel Arteta still in the market to bolster the side’s midfield as they look to maintain their challenge for the Premier League title.
Speaking after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle, Wolves boss Lage said that he was ’99 per cent’ sure Neves will stay at Molineux for 2022-23 but also admitted ‘you never know with the market’ and could not make any promises.
‘Ruben is playing very well, that’s why he was so important last season,’ Lage said. ‘He’s started in a good moment.
‘He has been amazing since the first day here. Now it’s time to continue to work.
‘I am 99 per cent he will stay with us for one more year. I can say 100, but you never know with the market.
‘He is happy here, he is our captain and I am sure that he will be here to play for us. You can see that he is focused on his team and his game.’
Neves, who has 30 caps for Portugal, has scored 25 goals in 217 games for Wolves since he joined them from Porto in 2017.
Wolves find themselves in the relegation zone following their first four Premier League matches, failing to register a victory.
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