Wolverhampton Wanderers have had their hopes of keeping talismanic midfielder Ruben Neves boosted.

What's the word?

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who has given fresh hope of Wolves keeping hold of the 25-year-old due to prospective suitors feeling as though they are being priced out of a deal.

When asked by The United Stand about Manchester United's midfield targets this summer, Romano immediately mentioned Neves, saying: “A name I keep hearing around Manchester United is Ruben Neves. He is a player always around Man Utd, since last summer. But the answer I’m always receiving is that it depends on the fee.

“When Wolves discuss €100m for Neves, it is something that United will not do. They want to find smart solutions. For Frenkie [de Jong] it is different”

Supporters will be buzzing

The latest news surrounding Neves will come as a big boost to the Molineux faithful.

Approaching the midway point of the off-season, developments around the 25-year-old's potential departure have been slow and overall lacked progression.

Entering the final two months of the transfer window, we are yet to see whether Lage and co will budge in their estimated value for the Portugal international, with Romano confirming that the €100m (£86.2m) is "something that United will not do".

The 25-year-old is the orchestrator in midfield for the Old Gold, averaging around 53.88 passes per game at a solid completion rate of 82.8%. Perhaps the main reason for his passing accuracy being in the early 80s in terms of percentile is due to the types of passes he looks to make.

Despite occupying a slightly deeper role in the midfield engine room, he is extremely progressive in his passing play, covering 1,313.68 yards in total passing distance, with 14.31 long-distance passes completed per game.

Figures show that 6.63 of his overall passes are directed into the final third, whilst his average of 75.59 touches per 90 will not come at all as a surprise, considering his ability to dictate the play.

If Neves does stay, it would be a big victory for Wolves, and it could almost feel like a new signing in itself, given that he seemed likely to depart just a few weeks ago.

It would give Lage a chance to bring in quality to surround the Portuguese maestro and improve the team whilst sticking to a core base.

AND in other news: Lage now closing in on "brilliant" Wolves signing, he runs himself "into the ground"