Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves could be an excellent signing for Manchester United, according to Leeds United ambassador and pundit Noel Whelan.
The Lowdown: Neves linked with United move
The 24-year-old has continued to be a key man for Wanderers this season, excelling under the management of Bruno Lage at Molineux.
Neves has started 15 of his side's Premier League matches, chipping in with a goal and assist apiece and averaging 2.1 tackles per match.
United have been linked with a move for the Portugal international next summer, as Ralf Rangnick looks to sign quality players in the middle of the park, where he is almost exclusively relying on Fred and Scott McTominay.
The Latest: Whelan talks up transfer
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, 46, claimed Neves could excel at Old Trafford:
"He’s a player who has been a real standout for Wolves. He’s got creativity, scores goals, set-piece taker, works hard off the ball, exciting on the ball – I think he would flourish at Man United.
"In the time he’s been in England and the Premier League, he’s really earned that big move. He’s one of three or four who have been so pivotal to Wolves’ success since they got promoted.
"He commands that respect, and you can definitely see why he’s a wanted man by clubs like Man United."
The Verdict: Would be a massive loss
Neves has been such an integral part of Wolves' success since they were in the Championship, making 194 appearances and counting. Former Wolves man Sylvain Deslandes admitted he and his teammates were 'astounded' by the former Porto captain's ability when he joined.
The thought of losing the Portuguese talent is, therefore, hugely worrying, with his ability on the ball something that would be extremely difficult to replace.
Unfortunately, the lure of playing for a club of United's stature could be too much to turn down, but with Neves' contract not expiring until 2024, they would at least be able to get a huge amount for his services if a move did happen.
In an ideal world, he will continue to thrive at Molineux, however, with Lage building a team around him in the coming years.
In other news, Luke Hatfield has talked up Wolves signing a Premier League winner. Find out who it is here.