Wolves midfielder Rúben Neves has declared his desire to stay with the Black Country club to help them in their first season back in the Premier League since 2012.

The Portuguese has been an integral part of the squad since his £15.8m arrival from F.C. Porto last summer, playing a huge part in their title-winning Championship campaign. His excellent passing ability is compounded by a tendency to score show-stopping goals from long range. One such recent strike was the 30-yard volley into the top corner against Derby County last month.

These eye-catching moments have led to the Premier League big boys taking interest in the 21-year old, with Manchester United, Spurs and Liverpool those reportedly interested.

The latter has been the most-strongly linked, as Neves was pictured at Liverpool John Lennon Airport last week. Spurs are also among the favourites, as manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly ready to overhaul his squad this summer.

The player has since, however, moved to distance himself from rumours of a Wolves exit. Speaking to fans, he said: "I came here to help the club and the club has helped me as well. I think we achieved all our goals, as an individual and as a team. It is normal as big clubs see our work, not just me but all the boys, but I am really happy here. I want to stay and I want to enjoy the Premier League with this fantastic club".

The Black (Country) parade

Neves's words were spoken as the Wolves team celebrated their Championship title victory with an open-top bus parade through the city.

Around 30,000 people lined the streets of Wolverhampton to show their adulation for their beloved Wanderers, and their appreciation of their team's performances this season.

The key behind those performances, in part at least, was the tactical nous and guidance of manager Nuno Espírito Santo. The former Porto goalkeeper's first season in charge of an English team can be regarded as an enormous success, though there is no doubt the budget and players at his disposal gave him more than the necessary tools to complete the job.

Still, the Championship is a tough league from which to gain promotion, so he deserves the credit he is receiving.

Santo will almost certainly oversee the club's start to life back in the top-flight of English Football, but first has a task to do in preparing himself and his squad for the tough season ahead. The key to any side's survival in their first Premier League season is the right additions to the squad beforehand - savvy recruitment is extremely important.

The spending-power of Wolves' owners along with the money earned from their promotion campaign means they will have no budgetary issues - but it all depends on what players are available at the right price. A World Cup summer is a notoriously difficult period in which to recruit new players, as strong international performances often lead to inflated price tags and interest from other parties.

But equally important is retaining key players to form the core of the team. Neves's announcement of his intentions to stay will reassure the manager and fans alike, but we do not know if he will stick to his word until the transfer window closes at the end of August. Between now and then, Neves could travel to the World Cup with Portugal and put himself firmly in the shop window, meaning the future of the midfielder is still far from set in stone.
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