Man City have keen interest in signing former Wolves star

Ruben Neves, a standout for Al-Hilal, is a player in the sights of Manchester City prior to the January transfer window, according to sources for Football Insider.

The Etihad Stadium is considering the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Kalvin Phillips in the immediate future.

Pep Guardiola is rumored to be an enormous admirer of Neves, who reportedly transferred from Wolves to the Saudi Pro League for £47 million during the summer transfer window.

According to Football Insider, a reliable source stated that the midfielder fits Guardiola’s ideal player profile, as the Spaniard seeks to strengthen his options in the central area.

It is speculated that Neves, who joined Al-Hilal only a few months ago, is prepared to depart Saudi Arabia in January or during the summer window of the following year.

On Wednesday (15 November), Football Insider reported that the ex-Wolves star reportedly only transferred at the height of his career with the intention of swiftly moving on from the Middle East.

Newcastle has had a long-standing interest in Neves, but new Premier League regulations will thwart their attempt to borrow him through the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

This development might pave the way for Guardiola and Manchester City to intervene.

This season, Neves has appeared in 17 games for Al-Hilal across all competitions, accumulating two goals and one assist.

During his tenure with Wolves, he appeared in 177 Premier League appearances, accumulating 21 goals and nine assists.

In June, in response to Ilkay Gundogan’s departure, Manchester City acquired Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes in high-priced transactions.

Neither player, however, has established himself as a consistent fixture for Guardiola’s squad.