Manchester United have Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves "on the list" as an alternative to Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What is the latest news involving De Jong and Neves?

Reports in recent days have suggested that Erik ten Hag's side are in direct contact with Barcelona over the signing of De Jong, but with the Catalan giants seeming getting a financial boost that has eased the pressure on their need to sell players, that has thrown another spanner in the works of a potential United deal.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

Neves has been a name that has been linked throughout the summer too, and it appears the Red Devils could turn towards the Portugal international this summer.

What did Romano say about Man Utd's chase for Neves?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano has claimed that United will be sure to have alternatives in place if a deal for De Jong fails to go through, and that Neves is someone who the club have been monitoring since last summer.

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He said: "I'm sure they have some alternatives. Ruben Neves is a player, that last summer, was already on the list. He's always been on the list of Manchester United, and is really appreciated."

Neves would be a Premier League proven addition for Man Utd

According to The Telegraph, Wolves could look to demand a fee in the region of £70m, and while that is certainly an eye-opening price, it is perhaps somewhat understandable.

At just 25, he already has 30 senior caps for Portugal, while he has been a virtual ever-present for Wolves in their time in the Premier League, making 142 appearances in the competition alone.

That level of top-flight experience no doubt carries a premium, but if United do make a move for the midfield maestro, it would give Ten Hag more of a guarantee of someone hitting the ground running.

While De Jong clearly appears to be the top target and the man in most of the headlines, a swoop for Neves would be a shrewd piece of business from the club.

As per Whoscored, the Portuguese ace's average of 2.1 tackles per game would have ranked him sixth in the entire United squad last season in the Premier League, while his tally of 1.2 interceptions per match would have him joint-third.

In possession, his average of 58.5 passes per game was considerably better than any United player, and that ability to dictate the play and control matches is something Ten Hag would surely love at Old Trafford.

If United do end up having to turn to an alternative for De Jong, then they could do a lot worse than moving for a Premier League proven addition in Neves.