In the past 18 months, Manchester United have been linked with a number of central midfielders. The Reds spent the last summer chasing Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong, before the Dutchman ultimately opted to remain with the Catalan side. While United certainly strengthened in that area - with the additions of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen - Erik ten Hag is still open to adding reinforcements.
One player that has been touted as a potential option for United is Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves. The club initially weighed up a transfer for him in January, but the 25-year-old was never the first-choice target. While the Portugal international is under contract at Molineux until 2024, he has frequently hinted at the possibility of a move away.
Neves, who has made 230 appearances for Wolves, was in tears at the end of the club's final home game of last season, and many people suggested that his emotional reaction was a sign that his time with Wolves was coming to an end. However, the midfielder, who joined Wolves in 2017, remained with the club over the summer and has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season.
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In August, he refused to rule out the prospect of leaving Molineux amid reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford. Speaking about a potential transfer, he told The Times: "Well, let’s see what happens. I try to focus 100 per cent on my football and I had a good start to the season but we need results now. If you ask me at the end of last season I would have said to you, 'I will leave,' but I’m still here, so we never know what’s going to happen."
While the timing of his comments came as somewhat of a surprise to supporters, it wasn't the first time that Neves had suggested his future could lie elsewhere. Three months before hinting at an exit from Wolves, he suggested that players need to "take the opportunities" they have in their careers.
"Everyone knows about what football is about, what our lives are about," Neves told The Athletic. "Our careers are really short, we need to take the opportunities we have.
"Of course, all of us have dreams and we need to live those dreams in a short space of time. Let's see what happens. I cannot say too much about it."
Neves has been on a memorable journey with Wolves ever since signing for the club as a youngster - joining them in the Championship and helping the Midlands outfit become an established Premier League side. He began this season under the management of Bruno Lage, but the Portuguese coach was sacked following a 2-0 defeat to West Ham in October.
Wolves spent £100m on new signings this summer, but have still made an underwhelming start to the season. Former Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui was the man chosen to replace Lage - and he has won his first two matches since taking charge, including a late win over Everton on Boxing Day.
Neves has captained the side this term following the summer departure of Conor Coady, and talk about his possible departure - albeit still present - has certainly quietened. However, with a game against United to come on Saturday, speculation around his future, and links with the Reds, is bound to resurface.
In his career, the midfielder has come up against the Reds more than any other club. He has played against United on 11 occasions - winning just three times. He has, however, registered a goal and an assist against them.
While it remains to be seen if Neves will in fact move on from Wolves in January or the summer, or even if United possess any real interest in the midfielder, he is a vital cog in Lopetegui's side and will be keen to impress against Erik ten Hag's men on New Year's Eve.
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