Pep Guardiola: Wolves' Ruben Neves would not fit our system
Pep Guardiola has lauded Wolves star Ruben Neves as 'an excellent player' – but would never pay £100million for the Portuguese international.
Neves has been linked with a move to City for the past 12 months, with the reigning Premier League champions said to be admirers of the 21-year-old.
However, ahead of tonight's clash at the Etihad, Guardiola suggested that Neves wouldn't fit into City's system.
"He’s an excellent player," Guardiola said.
"It involves playing with two holding midfielders – not just one – but he’s an excellent player."
Wolves paid £15.8m for Neves when they bought him from Portuguese club Porto in July 2017.
Neves went on to take the Championship by storm, helping Wolves to the title last summer.
He's struggled to make a big impact in the Premier League so far but has showed a marked improvement in his recent appearances and few doubt that he can move to one of Europe's biggest clubs in the coming years.
But while City boss Guardiola would like to strengthen his central midfield options, he says the figures being mentioned in relation to 21-year-old Neves are beyond the champions.
Guardiola said: "A month ago I started reading ‘Ruben Neves, £100million’.
"That is not going to happen. We are not going to pay £100million for a holding midfielder.
"We have a limit and cannot spend more so that’s why we need to be careful with the players and try next season to see what we can do to improve."
Wolves will take 3,000 fans to the Etihad as they look to climb back into the top 10 with an unlikely win.
