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

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.

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.

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