The former Wolves captain looks set for a move in the winter transfer window
Rúben Neves #21 of Portugal during the Republic of Ireland V Portugal
Ruben Neves continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United(Image: (Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty Images))
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Former Wolves skipper Ruben Neves could be set for a sensational move to Real Madrid, with Manchester United also interested in his signature.
Spanish newspaper AS (via Cadena SER) claims that Neves has already 'chosen' Real Madrid as his next destination amid interest from United.
Those higher up at the club are believed to be considering signing a midfielder and Neves' name is reportedly 'above all' that could arrive at Real this month.
AS, quoting Cadena SER journalist Anton Meana, have relayed his comments. He says: "Ruben Neves wants to sign for Real Madrid in this winter market. Coaches of the football department believe that the team needs to reinforce the midfield, but the board have doubts about his performance.
"Due to his contract ending in June, they do not see it necessary to pay a transfer fee for him this month. The player has a very juicy renewal offer from Al Hilal, but he wants to play for los Blancos."
Speaking to Wolves.co.uk, the classy Portuguese midfielder lifted the lid on an emotional departure from his beloved club, something that had been on the cards and rumoured for a long time but one that still hurt fans when it became a reality.
“It was very difficult – the hardest decision of my life," he recalled. "But I also think it was the right moment for me and for the club. The last season for me here was very hard, mentally.
“I was very tired and I remember I spoke to my wife that season, and I said that mentally it was hard for me to deal with everything that happened. With coaches being sacked, then playing a few games with internal coaches, and then another coach coming in with a lot of new players, fighting for relegation – it was not a perfect season.
“Being captain through all of that, I felt it a lot. So, I think it was the perfect time for me and for the club, but that didn’t stop it from being a very hard decision. This club will be always in my heart because it was six fantastic years I spent here."
On possibly playing for Wolves again, he said: “I don't like to speak about that because life changes a lot. Of course, this is a special home for me and a special home for my family, so Wolves will always be in our minds and there will always be a chance.
“But I don't want to create expectations because we know how football is. We don't know what will even happen tomorrow, but for sure, it's an open door for me. I believe that if I can choose, Wolves will always be one of the options, for sure, but I don't know what can happen.”