Liverpool scouts have returned positive reports about Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves amid the Reds’ search for a midfield addition, according to 90min.
The Lowdown: Riddled with injuries
Jurgen Klopp’s side got off to an infuriating beginning to the season after failing to win any of their opening three Premier League games – making this their worst start to a campaign in ten years despite the big win against Bournemouth.
Whilst not an excuse, the Reds are riddled with injuries in the midfield. They are currently without the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, leaving veteran James Milner to pick up the slack in the middle of the park.
As a result, Klopp has now conceded the fact that Liverpool must dip into the transfer market for a new midfielder ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.
The Latest: Neves reports
According to 90min, Liverpool scouts have written a number of reports on players who could potentially join the club at Anfield this summer.
Only a few options seem to fit with the Reds’ criteria, but one of the players included is Wolves star Neves, who has been linked with a move to Merseyside in the past.
Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders previously worked with the 25-year-old at Porto and has since claimed that he "always interests" the Reds in the transfer market.
The Verdict: Great signing?
When looking at Neves’ underlying stats, a wide range of attributes come to the forefront, illustrating a great balance of skills to lead a side in the midfield.
As per FBRef, compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, the Portugal international ranks in the 88th percentile for passes attempted, in the 82nd percentile for clearances and in the 81st percentile for non-penalty goals and shots total, displaying his well-rounded game.
Possessing a likeness to West Ham star Declan Rice, Neves is already Premier League proven, meaning he can slot straight into Klopp’s XI without struggling to make an instant impact.
Therefore, Neves, who has been dubbed ‘outstanding’ by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers, could be a brilliant addition to Liverpool’s struggling squad.