Wolves boss Bruno Lages expects bids for Ruben Neves despite new contract offer

Neves’ current deal at Molineux expires in 202

Nick Mashiter
Friday 01 April 2022 16:08 BST
Comments
Ruben Neves is a wanted midfield man
Ruben Neves is a wanted midfield man (PA Wire)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Wolves will offer Ruben Neves a new deal but boss Bruno Lage admits he will be a wanted man.

The midfielder is in contract talks with the club but Lage fears he could still be tempted away from Molineux.

Neves’ current deal expires in 2024 and he has been linked with Liverpool and Manchester United.

Lage said: “For sure, he will receive a proposal from us but the way he plays I can see other teams are looking for him also.

“You never know what can happen. There could be a big team with a big offer and we would need to analyse what is better for us and for the player.

“What is important to say is that it’s very hard to find a player like him. We used to call it a defensive midfielder but it’s now a central midfielder, a guy who can defend and can attack. He can do both things. He can score goals and do assists. It’s very hard to find.

“From my side, he knows my opinion – I want the best for his career. If he prefers to remain with us, for sure we will be happy and stronger. But this is football and you never know.

“When you see the kind of level he’s playing and the challenge we give to him to be more consistent, he’s a big loss for us at the moment.

“I know he’s having a fantastic season. He’s back to what he did in the past and that’s the kind of player we can have with us if we want to create a good team – big players who can put us on a different level.”

Neves is missing until May with a knee injury so sits out Saturday’s derby visit of Aston Villa.

Wolves are also without the banned Raul Jimenez after his dismissal in the 3-2 defeat to Leeds before the international break.

Nelson Semedo is back after a hamstring injury but Ki-Jana Hoever (hamstring) remains sidelined for the hosts.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in