Sources: Wolves make clear Mateus Mane transfer decision
Wolves plan to build their team around 18-year-old sensation Mateus Mane in a bid to ward off interest from rival Premier League clubs.
Mane has burst onto the scene in recent weeks as he starred in Wolves’ 3-0 win against West Ham, before scoring again in a 1-1 draw with Everton.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Rob Edwards is extremely reluctant to lose the teenager despite growing interest from top clubs both in January and ahead of Wolves‘ likely relegation.
Regardless of whether they are in the Premier League next season, though, there are no plans to lose their star academy product unless a big offer arrives.
Wolves remain overwhelming favourites to get relegated and are still 14 points shy of safety, but are unbeaten in their last three league games.
Wolves plan to keep Mateus Mane revealed
Football Insider revealed on 9 January that Wolves could be forced to cash in on Mane if they are relegated, with clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.
Newcastle United are among Mane‘s admirers and have had scouts keeping tabs on his performances at Molineux since his first senior start in December.
However, the 18-year-old is under contract until 2029 and there is no immediate pressure for Wolves to cash in given his new-found importance to Edwards’ side.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, for sure. I don’t think Wolves have any plans to sell Mateus Mane in the January window.
“He has been a real bright spark for Wolves in what has been a dark season so far at Molineux.
“He burst onto the scene after making his first start in December, played really well in the 3-0 win against West Ham and scored a very good goal against Everton as well.
“Wolves won’t want to entertain losing such a bright young prospect such as Mane right now.
“They want to keep hold of him and build a team around him because that’s how impressive his displays have been.
“For Wolves right now, he’s a bright spark and has been a breath of fresh air for Rob Edwards’ side. He’s under contract until 2029, so they don’t really need to cash in right now.
“I think it would take a big offer for Wolves to consider selling them and I’m sure they’ll be desperate to keep holding them until the summer at least.”
Chelsea and Man City join Newcastle in race to sign Mane
Despite being heavily tipped as admirers of the 18-year-old, Newcastle are not the only club having a close look at Mane’s situation at Molineux.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 7 January that Chelsea and Man City are keeping tabs on Mane and have been impressed by his displays.
Typically a forward, the England Under-18s star has featured as an attacking midfielder and winger under Edwards and has handled the step up with aplomb.
As a result, “almost every club” in the Premier League has taken note of his displays and could pounce to agree a deal with Wolves likely to be relegated.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 25 December that Wolves are braced for offers for key players as they are edging closer to their inevitable relegation.
For more Wolves and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.