Transfer Talk: City out to Net Wolves ace Pedro

Pedro Neto has been exceptional for Wolves this season despite grappling with a number of injuries.

The winger has nine assists in the Premier League, a total bettered only by Kieran Trippier, Pascal Gross and Ollie Watkins.

It is therefore no surprise that several big clubs, including Manchester City, have been linked with the Portugal international.

Ahead of today's FA Cup clash with Newcastle, we consider whether the English champions are poised to win the race for Neto's signature.

Pace and power

Playing predominantly off the right flank, Neto has been a constant threat for Wolves this term.

No player in the team has completed more crosses (33) or created more big chances (seven) than the 24-year-old in Premier League matches.

In a Wolves side full of efficient ball-carriers, Neto is among the best — only Matheus Cunha (98) has attempted more take-ons than his 79.

That ability to drive forward with the ball is an attractive quality for any top-flight side — even a City team renowned for their patient build-up play under Pep Guardiola.

And their transfer business last summer, with the signings of Belgian winger Jeremy Doku and midfielder Matheus Nunes from Wolves, suggested a desire for more explosive runners.

Neto certainly fits into that category and would offer different qualities to Phil Foden, who is currently operating on the right of City's attack with great success.

Interested parties

A bid of around £60million might be enough to secure Neto's services in the summer.

But with his contract running until 2027, Wolves are under no pressure to sell him at a discounted price.

A move is looking increasingly likely for a player with big ambitions and plenty of suitors, however.

Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham have also been linked with Neto, who could well be in a position to pick his preferred destination.

The appeal of working with Guardiola may be decisive, though, with compatriot and former Wolves team-mate Nunes having made that same move last year.

City's manager is an admirer of Neto, too, calling him "an incredible player" back in 2021.

Top talent

There is little doubt about Neto's ability to step up to the Premier League's upper echelons.

Speaking last month, Wolves boss Gary O'Neil said: "His [Neto's] strengths are incredibly strong. His athleticism and his pace are excellent.

"His quality on the ball or when he is trying to find a pass at the end of it is excellent.

"I am still working really hard on improving certain bits of him. He knows that, we have spoken about that already, about how much he can do for the team, out of possession stuff and still some understanding with the ball.

"I have been asked a few times about the summer already. I am not interested in discussing Pedro Neto leaving the football club.

"He is a fantastic player that we spent a lot of money on and have worked very hard on.

"As far as I am concerned we do not want to lose our best players. We have a long way to go yet this season and hopefully he stays with us."

But with City one of several clubs eyeing a move, Wolves could find it difficult to keep hold of their star player when the transfer window re-opens.