Wolves confident Ruben Neves will not leave on a free transfer despite interest in the midfielder

Wolves is convinced that Ruben Neves will not leave the club on a free transfer, even if he stays with Molineux after this summer.

There has been sustained interest in Neves over the past two years, with Manchester United, Arsenal and Barcelona all following him closely, although no one ultimately took decisive steps to implement the move.

Neves, 26, is out of contract at the end of next season, meaning he could run out of contract and leave in 2024 on a free charge.

Yet Neves and its representatives, the powerful Gestifute agency led by Jorge Mendes, have such a strong relationship with Wolves that this outcome is considered the most unlikely.

Indeed, Mail sports understands that if Neves does not move this summer there is a very good chance he will sign a contract extension with his current club.

The Portuguese midfielder made his 250th appearance in the 1-0 win over Aston Villa last Saturday

The Portuguese midfielder is admired across Europe after six years with Wolves, where he has played a pivotal role in leaving the Championship and establishing the club in the Premier League.

During that time, he became an increasingly influential figure within the side, assuming the captain’s armband when Conor Coady moved to Everton on loan at the start of the season.

Neves and his family are also based in the area and he made his 250th appearance in last Saturday’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

“Last season, it’s no secret to anyone, I was on the verge of leaving the club, and when that happens it will be very difficult to make the decision,” Neves told the BBC West Midlands.

“If I go, I will be Wolves’ biggest fan. It’s so hard to think about the future, I really don’t know.

The club will remain in my heart and I will follow the club everywhere. Who knows, if I go I might come back again, you never know.’