Wolverhampton star Ruben Neves a January target for Manchester City

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMAGetty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers at The King Power Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMAGetty Images)

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves is wanted by Manchester City as the Premier League champions look to shore up their midfield.

The highly rated Ruben Neves has enjoyed a stunning rise to fame since joining Wolverhampton Wanderers last season. The Portuguese international’s form has seen him earn comparisons with Andres Iniesta and Andrea Pirlo. And according to the Sun, Manchester City are interested in signing the 21 year old in January.

The report says that the Premier League champions could make a bid worth 60 million euros for Neves, as they look to find a long term replacement for Fernandinho. City wanted to sign Jorginho this summer, but were left red faced when the Italian decided to join Chelsea at the last moment. Pep Guardiola’s side were also linked with Fred before he joined arch rivals Manchester United.

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And now they have reportedly turned their attentions to Ruben Neves, who has already made his mark in the Premier League. The holding midfielder scored a stunning free kick last weekend to help Wolverhampton earn a 2-2 draw against Everton in their first game back in the Premier League. Neves also got the assist for their second goal, when he found Raul Jimenez in the box with a stunning cross.

But for all his attacking talents, Neves is also very capable defensively. City have an embarrassment of riches in attack and need someone who can protect their defense and start attacks for them, as Fernandinho did to near perfection last season.

Neves has the potential to become a world class midfielder in the future, and City will be hoping to snap him up before other teams start circling. The highly ambitious Wolves will be determined to keep their prized asset at the club as they aim for a successful first season back in the Premier League. Neves is contracted to Wolverhampton until 2023. But a chance of playing for Manchester City and winning titles regularly might be too good to turn down for Neves.

Manchester City take on Wolverhampton Wanderers next weekend and a good performance by Neves could see them increase their interest in signing the talented midfielder.