Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Ruben Neves, Ander Herrera

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wants Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves to replace Ander Herrera should the latter leave the club in the summer.

According to El Gol Digital (via the Manchester Evening News' Charlotte Duncker), Herrera could walk during the summer, with the likes of Atletico Madrid and AC Milan keen on the Spain international. The former Athletic Bilbao man has slid down the pecking order this season, and Mourinho is already looking at replacements.

In that search, he has identified Neves as a player he wants following the midfielder's solid run of form for Wolverhampton.

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The 20-year-old moved to England last summer in one of the strangest transfers in a long time, following manager Nuno Espirito Santo to Molineux.

What was particularly odd about this move was the fact Neves and Nuno didn't appear to work well together at FC Porto―the youngster's playing time and performance level decreased dramatically under the tactician, who didn't seem to have any use for the Portugal international's blend of passing range and flair.

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Bleacher Report's Dean Jones took a look at the transfer at the time, explaining how it came to pass:

"Dig a little below the surface and it begins to become clear how Wolves have been able to land Neves.

"The club were taken over by Chinese group Fosun International in July 2016 and immediately set their ambitions high.

"With football taking hold more than ever in China, it was felt that buying an English club would make sense to the business model.

"The owners vowed that they would do everything in their power to take them back to the top level of English football, and they have shown plenty of intent."

Super-agent Jorge Mendes was also involved, and his relationship to the club has led to some questions recently, per the Mirror:

This would be good news for United should they decide to go after Neves, who has been pivotal in Wolves' push for promotion and appears to have rediscovered his best form.

His stint with Wolverhampton was always expected to be short unless the club earned promotion to the Premier League. While they are on course to do that, Neves could still move in the summer if giants like United get involved.

With Michael Carrick set to retire from playing and Marouane Fellaini's contract coming to an end, Mourinho is expected to invest in his midfield this summer regardless of what happens to Herrera. And making a move would become all the more important should the 28-year-old leave.

While his stock has fallen this season, the Spain international remains a valuable, versatile player who would be a starter for a number of top clubs.

Neves has more long-term upside and would likely be more willing to accept a depth role in the near future. If the finances work and Herrera decides to leave, the Wolves man would be an excellent replacement with an eye on the present and future.