Manchester United 'to make £45m offer for Ruben Neves'

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to make a £45m bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves in the hope of beating Barcelona to his signature.

The 25-year-old was again a vital player for Wolves during the 2021-22 campaign, making 36 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and two assists in the process.

Neves is thought to be keen to seek pastures new this summer, though, having spent the last five years at Molineux since a switch from Porto in July 2017.

The Portugal international only has little over two years left to run on his contract, meanwhile, meaning that Wolves are not in a strong position when it comes to his future.

Barcelona continue to be strongly linked with the midfielder, and a recent report claimed that the Catalan giants were closing in on his signature.

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However, Man United are believed to be preparing to make one final attempt to bring the Portuguese to Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.

A recent report claimed that new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag views Neves as the ideal player to boost his midfield options for the 2022-23 campaign.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, the 20-time English champions are lining up a £45m offer, which they hope will be enough to convince Wolves to let him leave.

The Portuguese joined Wolves from Porto five years ago and has represented the English outfit on 212 appearances in all competitions, contributing 24 goals and 12 assists in the process.

During the 2021-22 campaign, he scored four times and registered two assists in 33 Premier League appearances, in addition to featuring on three occasions in the domestic cup competitions.

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Man United will sign at least one new central midfielder this summer, as both Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic are set to leave the 20-time English champions on free transfers.

Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but the club's lack of Champions League football for next term could cost them the chance to sign him.

A recent report claimed that Man United have handed the Netherlands international a transfer ultimatum, as they need to know whether he would be open to discussing a switch to the club.

New Red Devils boss Ten Hag is also believed to be keen to sign a centre-back and centre-forward this summer, with Edinson Cavani's departure already confirmed, while defenders Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are all expected to leave.

Man United would also be in the market for a new goalkeeper this summer if Dean Henderson departs, as Lee Grant's recent retirement would leave Tom Heaton as the club's only senior back-up to number one David de Gea.