Premier League side 'resigned' to losing Man Utd and Liverpool transfer target

Suraj Radia

• 19 Mar 2023 10:03 GMT
• 2 min read

Liverpool and Manchester United could battle it out for Ruben Neves, with Wolves reportedly ‘resigned’ to losing their captain this summer.

Neves is entering the final year of his contract and has resisted any efforts to sign an extension so far, prompting the club to accept that they will likely have to cash in on him in the summer, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Portuguese international was expected to leave last summer but remained after Barcelona failed to meet Wolves’ asking price, with Neves believed to be holding out for a move to the Catalan side.

CLOSER: Neves 'takes steps towards' Barcelona

Wolves are believed to want £50 million for Neves but they would rather avoid selling to a Premier League team such as United or Liverpool and are hoping Barca or Real Madrid step up their interest in the event of a transfer.

Neves is thought to still have an excellent relationship with Wolves and the club believe that the 26-year-old could extend his contract to protect his value if a transfer doesn’t materialise.

Liverpool and United set to battle for midfielders

Liverpool and United are both in the market for a midfielder this summer and Neves is sure to be considered after impressing during his time with Wolves.

Neves joined the Midlands side in 2017 and has scored 29 goals, being renowned for his long-range shooting and wide passing range.

Liverpool are still prioritising a move for Jude Bellingham but the club are believed to have a separate budget for the Dortmund star to allow them to make additional moves in the market.

PROGRESS: Liverpool 'confident' on Bellingham as Klopp plans spending spree

Jurgen Klopp’s side are anticipating a significant refresh of their midfield, with Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, James Milner and Naby Keita all out of contract and on course to leave at the end of the season.

As a result, Liverpool are thought to be targeting the signing of multiple midfielders this summer but they will face competition from United, who also want a more creative partner for Casemiro.