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Sources: Man City have concrete interest in signing ex-Wolves star Ruben Neves
Man City have a concrete interest in Al-Hilal star Ruben Neves ahead of the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.
The 26-year-old is on the target list at the Etihad Stadium as they plan to replace Kalvin Phillips in the near future.
It is believed City boss Pep Guardiola is a huge fan of Neves, who left Wolves for the Saudi Pro League in a reported £47million move in the summer window.
A well-placed source has told Football Insider that the midfielder is “Guardiola’s type of player” as the Spaniard vies to bolster his options in the middle of the park.
It is believed Neves is willing to leave Saudi Arabia in January or in next year’s summer window despite only joining Al-Hilal months ago.
Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (15 November) that the ex-Wolves star is believed to have only made the move at the peak of his career on the basis that he would move on from the Middle East quite quickly.
Newcastle have held a long-term interest in Neves – but new Premier League rules are set to scupper their plan of using Saudi Public Investment Fund links to land him on loan.
That development could clear the path for Man City and Guardiola to swoop.
Neves has made 17 appearances across all competitions for Al-Hilal this season, notching two goals and one assist.
He made 177 appearances in the Premier League during his time with Wolves, notching 21 goals and nine assists.
Man City countered the departure of Ilkay Gundogan in June by bringing both Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes to the club in big-money deals.
However, neither player has yet become a regular starter for Guardiola’s side.
In other news, Man City plan to let 28-year-old leave.