Ruben Neves is already very familiar with a few members of the Manchester United squad and has heaped praise upon Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes in the past.
United are attempting to add another midfielder to Erik ten Hag's squad before the transfer window closes on September 1 but their efforts to sign top target Frenkie de Jong have hit a stumbling block. A deal has been agreed with Barcelona for the transfer for a number of weeks but the Dutchman's reluctance to leave Camp Nou, amid a standoff with the club over millions in unpaid wages, has meant there is no sign of it being completed.
Though Ten Hag has previously suggested he will look to develop a player already at the club to play the role if he doesn't get his man, United sources have maintained that there are alternatives in mind. One player who has been repeatedly touted as a possible back-up option is Wolves maestro Neves, who has developed into a quality Premier League midfielder in recent years.
ALSO READ: Why Manchester United are bringing Tom Huddlestone to the club
United have experienced first-hand in several difficult games against Wolves how well the 25-year-old can dictate the flow of the game with accurate passing and close control. Neves certainly ticks a lot of the same boxes as De Jong.
Neves would also feel right at home at United thanks to the club's Portuguese contingent, which contains Ronaldo, Fernandes and Diogo Dalot. Neves has played with all three at international level but has shared the pitch for an especially high amount of games with the attacking duo. Two players he rates highly.
Speaking about Fernandes in the aftermath of his United debut against Wolves in February 2020, Neves told Sky Sports: "It's always good, playing against our teammates from the international team.
"I know him very well, I'm really happy for him. He's in a great club in a fantastic league. He can now show everyone what he can do. There is a lot because he's a great player. I'm really happy for him."
On Ronaldo, he unsurprisingly labelled him the game's top player. He said in the last international break: "What do I think about the absence of Ronaldo? Obviously, Ronaldo is the best player in the world. It's always great to get the opportunity to play with him, but all the players of the national team are ready to go on the field and compete for three points."
READ MORE:
