Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly still have ambitions to retain the services of Ruben Neves.
For a number of transfer windows, the midfielder has been heavily linked with a departure from Molineux with admirers emerging at a number of top clubs.
Neves even acknowledged at the end of last season that he was open to a new challenge having established himself as one of the West Midlands outfit's greatest-ever players.
Regardless of whether Wolves are able to retain their Premier League status for another 12 months, it has been frequently claimed that the Portugal international will move in the summer.
Neves possesses a contract until 2024, a scenario which has naturally alerted teams in England's top flight and around Europe.
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Manchester United are said to be regarded as the favourites for the 26-year-old with a slot in Erik ten Hag's squad expected to become vacant with the sale of Scott McTominay.
Barcelona are also allegedly looking elsewhere with Xavi against the Catalan giants pushing for Neves when he already has players of a similar profile in his squad.
Nevertheless, according to The Sun, Wolves have not given up in their bid to retain Neves's services in the long term.
The report suggests that a contract offer will be made to the former Porto youngster in due course, Wolves eager to strengthen their position at the negotiating table if offers arrive ahead of 2023-24.
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In January, Wolves invested heavily to support Julen Lopetegui, and the club's hierarchy have an obligation to pay Atletico Madrid a fee in the region of £44m for current loanee Matheus Cunha.
Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes were acquired to beef up the midfield, seemingly in preparation for at least one of Neves or Matheus Nunes to be sold in the summer.
If Wolves are successful in their attempts to keep Neves, Nunes would be more likely to depart just one season after joining from Sporting Lisbon.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with the fellow Portugal international for a number of months as they look to instigate their well-documented midfield refresh.
Darren Plant
