Ruben Neves is a target for Manchester United and Manchester City (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United are ready to accelerate a move for Wolves star Ruben Neves and will challenge Manchester City for the midfielder in January if Pep Guardiola’s side submit an offer, Metro.co.uk understands.

Jose Mourinho is a long-term admirer of the 21-year-old and the pair share an agent in Jorge Mendes, who consults with the Manchester United boss on a regular basis.

Mendes orchestrated Neves’ move to Wolves while they were in the Championship and Mourinho had been keen to see how the Portugese midfielder fares during his first season in the Premier League.

However, City’s failure to sign Jorginho last summer has forced Guardiola into re-evaluating his midfield options and the club are prepared to move for Neves in January.


Guardiola was furious at Jorginho’s decision to join Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Neves has impressed in his short stint in the Premier League (Picture: Getty)

That would be sooner than United would ideally like to make their own move for Neves but, in a measure of Mourinho’s admiration for the midfielder, Metro.co.uk can reveal the Red Devils will counter any offer made by City in the January transfer window.



Guardiola is keen to sign a long-term replacement for Fernandinho and has been impressed with Neves’ distribution at the base of a midfield three for Wolves.

Mendes has clients such as Nicolas Otamendi, Bernardo Silva and Ederson at the Etihad and was influential in ensuring City were first to the former Benfica goalkeeper.

United’s interest in Neves raises question marks over Paul Pogba’s future (Picture: Getty)

Neves is just one year into his five-year deal at Molineux and Wolves’ Chinese owners are under no pressure to cash in on the Portugal international following his £15.8m move from Porto.

However, Mendes’ influence at the club is strong and it’s unlikely that one of his clients would be denied such a move to one of the Manchester clubs given it could compromise Wolves’ relationship with the super agent.

United’s interest in Neves is likely to raise further question marks over Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford.

The Frenchman has refused to commit his long-term future to the club and raised the possibility of leaving United in the ‘coming months’ in an interview this week.

United were unwilling to listen to offers for the 25-year-old last summer and have halted contract talks with Pogba since his return from the World Cup.

However, the club’s board are confident that they can convince Pogba that his future is at the club and will resume negotiations in 2019.

MORE: Manchester United fans urge Nemanja Vidic to send message to Paul Pogba

.