Manchester City have reportedly emerged as 'serious contenders' to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Pedro Neto this summer.
The 24-year-old has developed into a star player at Molineux during his near five-year spell at the West Midlands outfit and has been a standout performer, when fit, for Gary O'Neil's side this season.
After two months out between October and December last year with a hamstring problem, Neto made a welcome return to the Wolves side at the start of 2024 before picking up a similar injury in March, which may rule him out for the rest of the season.
Nevertheless, Neto has still managed to contribute with two goals and 11 assists in 23 appearances across all competitions this term, including nine Premier League assists which is only bettered by Pascal Gross, Kieran Trippier and Ollie Watkins (all 10).
Since joining Wolves from Lazio in 2019, Neto has made a total of 134 first-team appearances for Wolves, scoring 14 goals and registering 24 assists.
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Man City leading race for Pedro Neto?
Neto's impressive form for Wolves is understood to have caught the eye of a number of top European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, including teams in the Premier League.
A recent report claimed that Manchester United are keeping tabs on the winger, while Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been credited with an interest.
However, according to TEAMtalk, treble winners Man City are 'serious contenders' to win the race for Neto's signature, with manager Pep Guardiola said to be keen to add more pace to his frontline after recruiting Jeremy Doku last summer.
The report adds that Neto's representatives Gestifute - who are run by super-agent Jorge Mendes - have met with several clubs over the last few months to discuss a potential deal for the winger.
Sources have suggested that Mendes has already spoken with Man City and a January deal was discussed, but Wolves were not willing to part ways with the winger midway through the season.
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Saudi Arabian clubs to rival Premier League for Neto?
Man City are expected to have the funds available to spend on summer targets such as Neto, who is believed to be valued by Wolves in the region of £60m.
However, it is claimed that the Citizens and their Premier League rivals could face competition for the Portugal international from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
Both Mendes and Gestifute are said to be in 'constant communication' with Saudi officials over a number of their clients, although it is thought that Neto would have no interest in moving to the Middle East at this stage of his career.
Wolves boss O'Neil recently dismissed suggestions that the club needs to cash in on some of their star players this summer to balance their books and avoid breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
As well as Neto, who is under contract at Molineux until June 2027, midfielder Joao Gomes has recently attracted interest from Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Man United.
Oliver Thomas
