Wolves prepare for life without Man Utd transfer target Ruben Neves after eyeing Martim Neto as replacement

WOLVES are close to finding a replacement for midfielder Ruben Neves.

SunSport recently reported that the Portuguese international could be plucked by Manchester United this summer if Erik ten Hag is appointed manager.

Arsenal and Barcelona are also interested, with Neves, 25, stalling on agreeing to a contract extension as he eyes playing European football next season.

Neves is contracted at Wolves until 2024, and manager Bruno Lage has admitted that it will cost the top sides £100m to prize him away from the Midlands.

But SunSport now understands that Wolves are preparing for the worst-case scenario, and are looking at Benfica B starlet Martim Neto to potentially fill Neves’ boots.

The 19-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Benfica first team after coming through the academy, but is one of the most highly-rated players at the club.

It is believed Neto will soon make his first team debut to increase his transfer fee – which currently stands at around £10m – while his contract also runs out in the summer.

However, incoming Benfica manager Roger Schmidt will have the final say and wants to cast an eye over him in pre-season.

Portugal U19 international Neto has recently changed representatives and is now with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has ties with several players in the Wolves squad, as well as boss Lage.

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