Chelsea are considering Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves as a potential alternative to Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

While manager Thomas Tuchel has raised doubts over whether the Blues will strengthen their midfield options, it is an area of the pitch that could do with some reinforcements. De Jong was believed to be the top priority but his contract dispute with Barca has made any move very complicated. Phillips claims that Neves and, surprisingly, Manchester United’s James Garner, have been considered as they look at other options:

“A couple of names that I do know Chelsea have considered for central midfield in recent weeks is James Garner from Manchester United, who could be available this window, and they’ve also considered Ruben Neves. But nothing has moved at the moment on them so I think Chelsea are probably still deciding whether they need to get another centre midfielder if they can’t get De Jong.”

Out of the two, you would have to think that Neves would be the player that Chelsea would be looking to pursue, considering his Premier League experience.

However, the Portuguese international is unlikely to be available on the cheap, with reports earlier this summer suggesting that Wolves may hold out for a fee in the region of £70m. It remains to be seen if an approach for the midfielder will be made before deadline day.