"Wolves would reluctantly accept" - Journalist now drops big Molineux exit claim on 26-cap star

Wolverhampton Wanderers could ‘reluctantly accept’ a big-money bid for Ruben Neves as it may allow head coach Bruno Lage to bolster his squad in other areas of the pitch, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Neves has become a fans’ favourite and made 207 appearances since joining Wolves in a then-club record transfer worth £15.8million close to five years ago, but there are question marks over his long-term future.

According to The Sun, Wolves have opened contract talks with Neves in an attempt to stave off interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The report suggests the 26-cap Portugal international features high on Gunners boss Mikel Arteta’s shortlist of targets heading into the summer transfer window.

Neves’ £50,000-per-week contract is set to expire in the summer of 2024, so Wolves are eager to tie him down to fresh terms to strengthen their hold.

But, with the midfielder yet to sign on the dotted line, Barcelona have looked to pounce and are understood to have held talks with Neves’ intermediaries ahead of potentially testing Wolves’ resolve.

Italian media outlet Calciomercato have revealed Juventus are also keen to welcome Neves to Serie A, meaning he has a host of options going into the summer.

However, it seems the 25-year-old’s suitors will have to stump up a lucrative sum in order to tempt Wolves into selling one of their prised assets as Lage has claimed Neves is worth £100million.

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O’Rourke believes Neves, who has been described as ‘amazing’ by Wolves team-mate Jose Sa, could be allowed to move on from Molineux if a suitable bid is lodged when the transfer window reopens.

The journalist feels Lage may be tempted into parting ways with