Manchester City and Manchester United interested in Premier League midfielder

Manchester City are exploring the possibility of signing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves but are concerned Manchester United will rival their interest, claims Goal.com.

Wolves pulled off a coup to sign the former Porto captain over 12 months ago and the Portugal international has been a revelation for Nuno's side.

Neves was the best player in the Championship last season and has made a fine start to his first ever taste of Premier League football this term.

The 21-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Liverpool but Pep Guardiola has earmarked the youngster as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho.

City wanted to sign Jorginho in the summer but lost out on the Italy international to Chelsea following a late intervention from their Premier League rivals.

Guardiola opted against pursuing any alternatives this summer but is interested in Neves and the club and exploring the chances of prising him away from Wolves in the next two transfer windows.

City's sporting director, Txiki Begiristain, reportedly has a close relationship with Neves' agent, Jorge Mendes, and their open dialogue has proved key in getting deals for players like Bernardo Silva and Ederson over the line in the past.

Guardiola's side are interested in paying up to £60m to sign Neves in January but are still sounding out whether the newly-promoted outfit would be willing to cash in on their best player midway through the season.

Mendes also represents Mourinho and the United manager has reportedly caught wind of a potential deal and is annoyed by his agents' willingness to deal with City.

United hi-jacked City's move for Alexis Sanchez in January and City are concerned their Premier League rivals will try and gazump them for Neves as well.

Since joining Wolves, Neves has scored more goals from outside the penalty area (7) than he has managed touches inside the opposition box (3).