Premier League transfer news: Ruben Neves signs for Wolves over Liverpool, Chelsea

HIGHLY-rated Portugal starlet Ruben Neves has sensationally snubbed interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea to sign for side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

FC Porto's midfielder Ruben Neves.

HIGHLY-rated Portugal Under-21 international Ruben Neves has sensationally snubbed interest from Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea to sign for English Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Becoming the Chinese-owned team’s record signing, Neves has departed FC Porto for a reported £15.8 million (AU$27m).

The 20-year-old — who became the youngest ever Champions League captain in a match against Israeli outfit Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2015 — signed a five-year contract and is reunited with former Porto coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

✍️ We are delighted to confirm the arrival of Rúben Neves who joins from @FCPorto on a five-year-deal. #WelcomeRuben pic.twitter.com/zjcQbv0z4N

— Wolves (@Wolves) July 8, 2017

Nuno, who was discharged from his duties as Porto coach in May after a trophyless season, also signed on loan another Porto player, centre-back Willy Boly.

The influx of Portuguese players and coach reflects the close relationship between the club’s Chinese owners Fosun and super agent Jorge Mendes.

Nuno is bidding to revive Wolves’ fortunes, who struggled to 15th last season and have not tasted Premier League football since being relegated in 2012.

Ex-FC Porto midfielder Ruben Neves.

“Ruben is a very good player who can bring new things to our squad,” Nuno told the BBC.

“I know him well, I worked with him last year.

“When a player who is 18 years old is captain of a big team like Porto, in the Champions League, it says a lot,” added the 43-year-old former goalkeeper.

Neves, who played for his country in the recent European Under-21 championships in Poland, said he was delighted to be reunited with Nuno.

Portugal's midfielder Ruben Neves.

“I have always wanted to play in England and we have a good team,” Neves told the club website.

“I think we can do good things this season. It is also a good opportunity for me to work again with a trainer I worked with last year,” added Neves, who scored four goals in 92 appearances for Porto.

His fee breaks the previous record set in January when Wolves signed Portuguese winger Helder Costa from Benfica for £13m ($22m).

Originally published as Premier League transfer news: Ruben Neves signs for Wolves over Liverpool, Chelsea