Man Utd snub lets Wolves secure £20m transfer with big ramifications for Ruben Neves and Arsenal

Joao Palhinha has agreed to join Wolves for £20m after failing to entice Man Utd, and the move could have big implications for Ruben Neves and Arsenal, per a report.

Neves, 25, is strongly being tipped to leave Wolves this summer. The midfield maestro has pulled the string at Molineux for five years and has always performed to a consistently high level.

Arsenal and Manchester United are the two English clubs most frequently linked with a raid. Any move is likely to cost in the region of £50m, though both the Gunners and Red Devils have other irons in the fire.

Indeed, Manchester United are chasing Frenkie de Jong, while Arsenal are in the mix for Youri Tielemans. Though should their first-choice moves fall flat, Neves would represent a more than adequate alternative.

For Neves to leave, however, Wolves must first line up a suitable replacement. And according to the Sun, that’s exactly what they’re about to do.

The newspaper state 26-year-old Sporting Lisbon midfielder, Joao Palhinha, has ‘agreed to join Wolves’. The deal will set Bruno Lage’s men back £20m and super agent Jorge Mendes is leading negotiations.

The outlet claim Palhinha was in fact hoping to secure a move to Old Trafford. Indeed, Man Utd scouts were reportedly in attendance to watch Palhinha during a feisty clash with FC Porto in February.

Yet concrete interest from United has failed to materialise and Palhinha will now accept a switch to Wolves. The report added the deal is set to be ‘confirmed in the coming days’. The Premier League transfer window officially opens on June 10.

With Palhinha reportedly on the way, Wolves may now be more willing to accept Neves’ departure. Aside from Man Utd and Arsenal, Barcelona are also in the frame for his signature.

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