Real Madrid have reportedly identified Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as a potential long-term replacement for Casemiro.
According to Fichajes, Real Madrid have set their sights on a summer move for Wolves and Portugal midfield mainstay Ruben Neves as a potential replacement for Casemiro.
Neves has been with Wolves since 2017 when he arrived from FC Porto. The midfielder has been integral to their rise over the past few years, helping the Midlands club earn promotion to the Premier League in his debut season. The 24-year-old has played a key role in Wolves establishing themselves as a top-flight club, pushing for a European spot year after year.
Neves, to date, has made 203 appearances for the Black Country outfit, bagging 23 goals and 11 assists in the process. A fine passer of the ball, the Portuguese international is also known for his defensive nous and ball-winning capabilities, while his set-piece prowess is very well-known. These attributes have seemingly made the midfielder a transfer target for several top clubs in England.
Now, Real Madrid, too, have entered the fray for the signing of Neves in the summer transfer window. Los Blancos’ interest in him stems from the speculations surrounding the future of midfield mainstay Casemiro. The 30-year-old has endured a slight dip in form this term. Recently, he has been linked with a summer switch to Juventus.
While Real Madrid are reluctant to let their Br azilian enforcer leave, a case for an exit could be made in the summer if his form does not improve. Even if he stays, the Spanish giants do not have proper cover for him in the defensive anchor role, making Neves a viable target for the current La Liga leaders.
The report adds that Real Madrid have been monitoring the 24-year-old from his days during FC Porto but were not entirely convinced over a move. However, that has seemingly changed now, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side considering the possibility of signing Neves before the next season kicks off.
Apart from the Wolves midfielder, Real Madrid also have another Premier League star in their sights in Declan Rice, while AS Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni is also on the club’s radar. It remains to be seen if Los Blancos decide to make a move for any of these players, although it could hinge on the future of Casemiro.