Wolves: Bruno Lage has 'problem' involving £50k-a-week star at Molineux | OneFootball

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been left with ‘a bit of a problem’ after failing to offload Ruben Neves or tie him down to a new long-term contract at Molineux, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The West Midlands outfit got their season underway with a 2-1 defeat at Leeds United last weekend, but head coach Bruno Lage could still sanction signings and outgoings ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

What’s the latest news involving Neves?

According to Sky Sports, Wolves are confident of being able to hold onto Neves despite interest from Manchester United ramping up.

The report suggests the 30-cap Portugal international has been identified as an alternative option to Barcelona defensive midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Wolves have reportedly been demanding £70million for Neves, which has deterred suitors from heading to the negotiating table so far.

That price tag still falls short of what Lage believes is his fellow countryman’s true value, with the head coach previously claiming Neves is worth £100million amid additional interest from Barcelona and Liverpool.

However, Wolves still find themselves in a difficult position as Neves has less than 12 months to run on his £50,000-per-week contract and has failed to put pen-to-paper on fresh terms.

What has Alex Crook said about Neves?

Crook believes Wolves are facing some big decisions over the final weeks of the transfer window, particularly because of Neves’ contract situation.

The talkSPORT reporter feels keeping the 25-year-old at Molineux will result in Lage being less active when it comes to attempting to bolster his squad.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT: “That’s a bit of a problem for Wolves because at the start of the summer, when there had also been interest in January from Manchester United and Barcelona, they almost built their business plan around selling Neves for decent money.

“The fact that nobody has come in has obviously left them a bit short stocked.”

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What is the nickname of Wolverhampton Wanderers?

The Foxes The Dogs The Bears The Wolves

Would it be a big boost if Neves stayed at Wolves?

Neves has made 213 appearances since becoming Wolves’ then-club record signing in 2017 and, in that time, he has become a fan favourite and an integral part of the midfield.

Conor Coady’s loan move to Everton has also seen the Portuguese step up to become the West Midlands side’s new captain, with him wearing the armband at Leeds on the opening day of the season.

However, Wolves desperately need to negotiate a new deal with Neves as, otherwise, they are running the risk of seeing the star, who featured for Porto close to 100 times before his switch to Molineux, depart as a free agent next summer.