From David Ornstein: Manchester City interest in Premier League forward confirmed despite clear January stance

Manchester City are one of several ‘big clubs’ to hold an interest and admiration in the talents of Wolves and Portugal forward Pedro Neto, it has been confirmed.

Conversation over possible interest from the Etihad Stadium has steadily intensified this month, after a report in early January not only claimed that the Premier League champions had ‘entered the race’ for the player, but that representatives had ‘initiated talks’ with his agent to gauge interest.

Manchester City are certainly no strangers to negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers, having succeeded in intense activity with the Midlands club over a deadline day agreement for Matheus Nunes last year.

There is understood to be a healthy working relationship in place between the two clubs, and Wolves have also reaped rewards themselves following the loan with buy-option deal to secure Tommy Doyle last summer.

Now, confirmation from one of football’s most reputable transfer sources has been provided when it comes to the UEFA Champions League holders and interest in one of Wolves’ best attacking sparks.

According to the information of David Ornstein writing for The Athletic, Manchester City are one of several ‘big clubs’ to ‘like’ Wolverhampton Wanderers and Portugal international forward Pedro Neto.

Arsenal are also among the potential suitors for the player, Ornstein reaffirms, however it is made clear that there have been ‘no recent overtures’ from Emirates Stadium bosses regarding the future of the 23-year-old.

Despite the expected interest from some of England and Europe’s biggest clubs, The Athletic reports that there is ‘no expectation’ of Neto leaving the Molineux club this month, while the summer market ‘could well be a different story’.

Should Wolves become open to doing a deal for Neto in the coming months, they are highly unlikely to succumb to any bargain prices for the player, and could aim for fees north of the £53 million price tag City paid or his former teammates Matheus Nunes.

Attacking talent is likely to be relatively high up Manchester City’s list of priority positions next summer, despite central midfield expected to be the main goal amid concerns of Kalvin Phillips’ future and ability to transition into Pep Guardiola’s system.

Stefan Ortega Moreno is also a man in demand ahead of next summer, whilst the club could be open to an exit for Sergio Gomez should a replacement become available and the right offer by presented for the Spaniard.