Manchester United and Manchester City Reportedly Set to Battle for Ruben Neves

Manchester City reportedly believe Manchester United will compete with them for the signature of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves in January. 

The Portugal international has been a huge success at Molineux since signing from Porto last summer, and his early performances in the Premier League are said to have caught the Red Devils' eye.

Sam Lee of Goal reported City have tracked the player through the summer and now think United manager Jose Mourinho could move for his compatriot. Neves is represented by Jorge Mendes, who is also Mourinho's agent.

The 21-year-old can operate as a deep-lying midfielder, but he proved in the EFL Championship he has an eye for goal.

Neves scored six goals in 42 Championship appearances last term and opened his account for Wolves in the top flight against Everton in their first game of the season.

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United continue to struggle after a disappointing pre-season, during which the team appeared lacklustre and Mourinho failed to land a number of transfer targets.

Per Lee (h/t Coral Barry of Metro), the two Manchester clubs could soon cross swords over the £60 million-rated starlet.

Mourinho has experimented with Andreas Pereira as a ball-playing No. 6, but Neves would be much more suited to the role. Nemanja Matic remains United's primary defensive midfielder, but he lacks the mobility and technical quality to quickly spread the play to the attack.

Neves would fill the gap left by Michael Carrick's retirement. The former United captain called time on his playing career to take up a coaching position at the club in the summer, and Mourinho signed Brazil international Fred to bolster his midfield.

However, Fred does not sit deep and will be given licence to support the team further up the field.

Squawka Football underlined Neves qualities from deep:

Neves would only be a squad player at City, and a move to United would make more sense if he has the choice of both teams.

Mourinho needs to flood his squad with younger talent and stop leaning so heavily on the experience of his less dynamic options.

Neves could become a star in the Premier League, and if he remains at Wolves for another full season, his price could rocket beyond £60 million.