Ruben Neves Hints at Wolves Stay Amid Liverpool, Manchester City Rumours

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves says he's looking forward to turning out for the club again next season amid rumours he's wanted by Liverpool and Manchester City. 

According to Dave Armitage of the Daily Star, the Reds and City are among a number of "elite" clubs in the Premier League and Europe who are eyeing him ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, he told Wolves' official website (h/t Armitage): "Thank you for the support, thank you all. I can't wait for us again next season to do things well."

Neves scored five goals and assisted four in 40 appearances in all competitions this season, helping Wolves take 16 points off the Premier League's top six and finish seventh.

The 22-year-old reflected positively on the campaign:

"It's been a tremendous year for the club. Tremendous for us, players, staff, all the fans, I think it was a great season.

"We achieved seventh place in our first year in the Premier League, which is a great result for a team that came from Championship. It isn't easy.

"We have the feeling of mission accomplished. We did a great season, with good and bad moments, but always with the focus on our goal.

"Two years ago we started in the Championship. This year we moved to the Premier League and we have already shown that we have the capacity to fight for the highest places. That should continue to be our goal—improve every day."

Neves was a key player for Wolves alongside compatriot Joao Moutinho in midfield, and Adam Jones of the Liverpool Echo felt he was unfortunate to be overlooked for the PFA's Premier League Team of the Year:

He was among the division's top ball-winners, per football statistician Dave O'Brien:

The Portugal international can pick a pass, too, and he's also a goal threat from set pieces and outside the box in open play.

Alex Richards of the Mirror also praised his leadership and organisational skills:

Liverpool have Fabinho and Jordan Henderson among their options in Neves' position, so he's not a player who's desperately needed at Anfield this summer.

City are in need of a successor to 34-year-old Fernandinho, however, and Neves could make for a strong choice given he's only likely to get better with age.

Wolves are an exciting project, though, and could find themselves challenging for a place in the Premier League's top six next season.

If Neves continues to excel, he'll likely want UEFA Champions League football at some point down the line, but for the time being, it's understandable he might want to stay put.