Wolves boss Bruno Lage has left the door open for Manchester United to make a move for Ruben Neves – but only if they can make a huge offer.
The Portuguese midfielder has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in the January transfer window, having seen his name connected with United previously.
The Reds are long-term admirers of Neves, who certainly did his chances of securing a move no harm with an impressive display in Wolves’ 1-0 win over United on Monday.
Lage is keen to keep hold of his star players this month, with Adama Traore also linked with a move away amid a standoff over a contract extension.
But the Wolves boss admits the club could be forced into a sale should a massive offer be made, pointing to his time at Benfica when Joao Felix was sold to Atletico Madrid for €120million as an example.
“When you want to make the next step and you sell your best players, the next step never happens,” Lage said in his latest press conference.
“The main thing, and we can clarify this, we are here with a project of our ideas - chairman, sporting director and manager - the main point is to continue with the same players, to improve them and go to the next level.
“But in modern football if a big transfer appears, like it did when I was at Benfica. Two years ago a team came and paid €120million for one player - you cannot say no. You can say no, but you don't receive money to improve the team and you continue with the same players.
“In the transfer window you need to decide what is best for the club and for the player.”
Neves himself addressed his future last month, insisting he remained focused on Wolves in the build-up to the January window.
"The future will be seen soon," the midfielder said. "My goal and focus are on Wolverhampton".
"I like to live in the present and I'm happy, I feel great in Wolverhampton and I'll focus here, because if I do things right I'm sure the future will be bright.”
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