Pedro Neto transfer ‘message’ sent directly to Arsenal and Man City amid '80%' claim

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil has issued a clear hands-off message to clubs interested in any of his key players this January, including superstar winger Pedro Neto.

A returnee to the starting lineup for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury against Newcastle United in late October, Neto looked sharp at the American Express Stadium. The 23-year-old might not broken the deadlock on the night as Brighton and Wolves played out a goalless draw but his drive to get forward was impressive – as was his chance creation for his teammates. His showing was that good it earned an eight out of 10 (80 per cent score) in Birmingham World's player ratings.

Only Mohamed Salah and Ollie Watkins (both eight) have more than Neto’s seven assists in the Premier League this season and Wanderers’ number seven has missed eight of the 21 games. Neto's fine form has understandably gained him attention from a host of clubs, including fellow top-flight sides Arsenal and Manchester City.

O'Neil is adamant Neto won't be departing Molineux any time soon, though, with the versatile forward seen as untouchable currently. When asked what he'd say to teams interested in Neto, the manager said: “I don’t need to give a message to any club. There’s no chance any of our good players will be leaving in this window. We will be focused on what we can add; no one will be leaving who we don’t want to leave.”

Wolves have very little room for spending on the transfer front, meaning they must make do with their current squad or delve into the loan and free agent markets. Letting Neto or any other key player go would be incredibly counter-productive, even if a sale would help balance the net spend books. Arsenal and Man City must look elsewhere as a result – or wait until the summer when Wanderers might be more open to a deal.