Liverpool ‘in the mix’ to sign Neves

Liverpool could well be ‘in the mix’ to sign Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves at the end of the season, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Midfielders needed at Liverpool

The Reds picked up a massive 2-0 victory at home to Everton on Monday night, breathing new life into their stuttering Premier League campaign.

There is still no doubt that midfield additions are needed in the summer transfer window, however, and Neves is one player who has been linked with a move.

He could leave Wolves once this season is over, with his current deal expiring at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and no sign of an extension on the way.

The Latest: Reds ‘in the mix’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones talked up the idea of Neves plying his trade in a Liverpool shirt next season:

“You go through that Liverpool squad at the moment and you go through the performances that you’re seeing.

“If you’re looking for a fix, then I think Ruben Neves could certainly help them make that transition towards being a lot stronger and better in the middle of the park next season.

“He’d bring a lot to that team, so I’d be surprised if they weren’t in the mix.”

The Verdict: Would be a great signing

It remains to be seen if Liverpool have the financial power to bring in two big-money midfield signings, but if they were able to get both primary target Jude Bellingham and Neves, it could be game-changing for them.

The 25-year-old long-shot specialist has arguably been Wolves’ best player over the past five years or so, making 238 appearances in total and wowing with his midfield quality, scoring five league goals this season, including one against the Reds.

He also enjoyed a highly impressive 92.5% pass completion rate for Portugal at the 2022 World Cup, showing his composure on the largest stage, and has been described as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Tim Spiers.

At 25, Neves would bring the younger legs that are so badly needed and he is more mobile than some give him credit for, averaging 2.5 tackles per game in the league in 2022/23 to date.