Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves is ‘unlikely’ to sign a new contract at Molineux, according to journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Summer exit was close

The Premier League playmaker will be out of contract with Julen Lopetegui’s side in 2024 and his future is currently up in the air having not yet been offered or put pen to paper on fresh terms.

The Portugal international has been the subject of strong interest from several top-flight sides over the past couple of transfer windows, with the 25-year-old even admitting that he came close to leaving the club last summer.

The Latest: Madeley’s verdict

Taking to Twitter, Madeley was asked by a Wolves supporter whether Neves will be extending his stay in the Midlands, to which the reporter replied:

“We can all dream but I’d say it’s unlikely sadly. Neves genuinely loves Wolves. He’s grown up at the club and his kids have grown up in the city.

“But he’s a 25-year-old Champions League-level player who needs to maximise his talent. Sad but understandable.”

The Verdict: Opportunity deserved

Wolves would never want their captain to depart, but Neves has been dubbed a ‘beast’ by journalist Jimmy Conrad and he has been exactly that for the club, so deserves the opportunity to go on to bigger and better things.

The Nike-sponsored talisman has made a remarkable 238 appearances for his side and is an integral member of the starting eleven, where he’s been averaging 2.6 clearances and 2.5 tackles per league game this season (WhoScored).

The Mozelos native, however, is destined to play a level of football that Wanderers might not reach for some time, and with the substantial fee the club could get for him, it would be the right decision to let him progress to the next stage of his career.