Wolverhampton Wanderers 'tell Liverpool Ruben Neves is not for sale'

Liverpool have reportedly been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves after they were told he is not for sale this month.

Julen Lopetegui's side are in a relegation battle and do not want to lose their star man as they struggle to maintain their top-flight status.

Football Insider reports that the club have rejected Liverpool's enquiry but will listen to offers for the 25-year-old in the summer, despite his value being reduced.

The Portugal international will have just a year left on his contract at that point, so the £100m price tag set by the club last April will be drastically lower.

Jurgen Klopp is planning a midfield rebuild with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham widely reported to be his top target, with Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract in the summer.

The 37-cap international has 161 appearances in the Premier League, and 19 of his 28 Wolves goals have come in the competition.