Gary O’Neil has dropped a big update on Pedro Neto, amid continued speculation about the winger’s Molineux future.
The 24-year-old has just linked back up with the squad in the US, and is ready to start building his fitness again ahead of the new season.
For some, it is a surprise that Neto is still a Wolves player.
Over the last few months, there has been a lot of speculation about his future, with most of the top clubs in England showing interest in him.
Recently, it was reported that Liverpool have come back in for Neto, and the Reds could also make a move for Rayan Ait-Nouri in a potential double deal.
Tottenham Hotspur are also interested, but are thought to value the player some way below his asking price.
Most Wolves fans hope the star stays, and O’Neil has now given an update on where things are at with the Portugal international.
Gary O’Neil ‘confident’ Pedro Neto will be staying at Wolves
Following the departure of Max Kilman, Wolves are in a good position regarding the potential sales of other players.
Receiving £40 million from West Ham United for Kilman means that Wolves are not under pressure to sell other top players.
That said, the club will still hear offers from other clubs. It is thought that £60 million would tempt Wolves to cash in on the ‘outstanding’ Neto.
It remains to be seen if such an offer will come in. But O’Neil says there is currently nothing to report on the player at the moment and as far as he’s concerned, he is ‘confident’ the player will stay.
He told the E&S podcast: “I know how good he is, and I know how well he would do at a big club. Obviously I want out team here to be unbelievably successful. So I’m hoping that he stays.
“I think so (there’s a chance he stays). There’s nothing going on at this moment from anybody. He’s in a good spot, I’ve spoke to him about how we’re going to play and how it suits him and what a big part he’ll play in it.
“But of course, we’re all grown-ups while you’re having them conversations. If a massive bid comes from a top club then no one is going to stand in Pedro’s way.
“I’m confident that he will be here. Because we haven’t had anything really, that makes the club think that he won’t be.
“But of course, a lot of business can be done late.”
A very positive update
O’Neil has not ruled out Neto being sold. But this is undoubtedly a positive update regarding Wolves keeping hold of the player.
There haven’t been any bods yet for the Portuguese star, with that £60 million asking price seemingly proving prohibitive for potential suitors.
But Wolves can demand such a fee, since they aren’t under pressure to sell and want to keep the star.
The picture could obviously change. There is always the possibility of Neto applying the pressure to try and get a move.
But hopefully he will not do that, and he’ll fancy staying at Wolves for one more season and helping to push the club back into Europe.