Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Bruno Lage has once again taken a stern stance over the future of Ruben Neves as Manchester United and Arsenal continue to be linked.
The Portuguese midfielder has long been rumoured to be under consideration by the Red Devils and Gunners having impressed hugely during his spell at Molineux since a 2017 move from Portuguese giants Porto.
That interest is expected to remain into the summer transfer window and with just over two years remaining on his current contract in the Black Country, Wolves could have a decision to make over his status should they fail to convince him to pen a new deal.
However, head coach Lage has insisted that there have been no offers lodged for his services and suggested that Neves is one of the players he is prioritising keeping at the club amid a £100m price tag.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend’s clash with Brighton, he said: "We need to wait for an offer, we don’t have anything, we need to wait for an offer and understand what (will) really happen. What is good for the club, good for the player.
“For me, it is clear, if I want to work with Ruben, yes. If you ask the player if he wants to work for me, for sure he will say yes. But this is football and you never know what can happen in the next day.
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“We can prepare the best strategy, for what we want, that is the best players on the pitch. I don’t have any problem with anyone in that position but if I have everyone available I will pick Ruben.
“It is clear because that’s what I did since the first day. He can give us a different dimension. He is a big player and our first choice for that position.” He added: "We need to be ready for everything. A player like Ruben Neves has a value of £100m. Anything can happen, not just with Ruben."
Lage’s recent comments are not the first time he has made a statement about his compatriot’s future. He suggested earlier this month that any interested clubs would have to fork out a considerable amount of cash to secure Neves’ services.
The ex-Benfica man said: “What he is doing this season is very good. I think also the way we play, he can show a better Ruben, and also the way he plays puts our team on a different level.
“When you have that player, the best thing to do is improve his salary and years of the contract. But who knows, when you have a top player like him in that specific position, that can defend and attack, and is a top professional and a great man, the big teams are there with £100million to buy these kinds of players.”
Neves, a 26-time international, has made 31 appearances for Wolves in all competitions so far this season. He has missed the last three games with a knee injury though.
