Newcastle United will look to re-find their form against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend, where they will face summer transfer target Ruben Neves.
Neves is the Wolves captain, and will lead out his side at St James’ Park on Sunday as they look to take another huge step towards Premier League survival. As for Newcastle, it is about ending a barren run of three straight defeats and getting our season back on track.
But the Magpies are already making plans for next season, with transfer targets being discussed ahead of the new campaign.
Eddie Howe will look to sign a centre midfielder in the summer, having failed to land one in January.
Newcastle have been linked with Ruben Neves
One player who was linked with a move to St James’ Park at the start of the year was Neves. The Daily Mail reported that Newcastle were keeping an eye on the 25-year-old, who was on the Magpies’ list of midfield targets.
A move did not come to fruition, but the Daily Mail have since reiterated that Neves will be a target once again heading into the summer.
He fits the bill of what Howe is looking for. He can fill the role that was vacated by Jonjo Shelvey, who joined Nottingham Forest back in January.
Neves has a passing range that is just as impressive, and he is also capable of the spectacular. He only scores screamers. Nick Pope knows all about that, as it was Neves, who has previously been called ‘world class’, who fired a rocket past him in a 1-1 draw at Molineux earlier in the season.
The Portugal international irked Newcastle fans with his comments after the game, but there is no denying that he is a brilliant player.
Chance for Neves to earn Toon transfer
He is one of many midfielders on the Magpies’ radar, and he now has a unique chance to prove he has what it takes to be the player Howe is looking for.
While a poor outing from Neves would boost Newcastle’s chances of winning, a strong showing might increase the chances of him wearing black and white next season.
His future is up in the air, as he prepares to enter the final 12 months of his contract – and a move to St James’ Park could be appealing if we qualify for Europe.
If he shines on Sunday afternoon on Tyneside then he might suddenly find himself much higher up Howe’s wanted list.