Manchester United have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Ruben Neves, with Wolves closing in on a move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.
This summer the Red Devils are in the market for a new central-midfielder and are believed to be big admirers of Neves, who has been a star since arriving in England in 2017.
Wolves are reluctant to sell the Portuguese maestro, with manager Bruno Lage wanting as much as £100million for his best midfielder.
However, according to The Sun, Wolves are near to completing a deal to sign his compatriot Palhinha, who would be able to cover for Neves should the 25-year-old leave this summer.
The report goes on to say United face competition from Barcelona, who are also interested in a deal for Neves.
In the last two windows, United failed to prise Neves away from the midlands following significant interest.
The former Porto player has made over 140 appearances in the Premier League and has scored 15 goals.
United’s other targets in midfield include Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong and Napoli’s Fabian Ruiz. De Jong is rated at £65m and could be offered £350,000-a-week to lure him away from the Nou Camp.
However, securing such signings is harder without Champions League football to offer.
Last season, the Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League and Erik ten Hag is looking to fresh up United’s squad ahead of next term.
The Dutchman is particularly short of options in midfield with both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba leaving the club on free transfers.
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