Ruben Neves ‘is Barcelona’s top target to replace Sergio Busquets’ after cash-strapped club failed to secure him in the summer… with the Wolves midfielder ‘refusing to listen to bids from Man United and Liverpool’
- Barcelona want to replace Sergio Busquets with Ruben Nevers, say reports
- Barca went in for Neves in the summer but were priced out of a move by Wolves
- The 25-year-old ‘is keen on a move’ with two years remaining on his contract
- Manchester United and Liverpool had been interested in a move for Neves
Barcelona could replace Sergio Busquets with Ruben Neves next summer, according to a new report in Spain.
Xavi’s side have been light on defensive midfield options and do not have a proper understudy to Busquets, with Frenkie de Jong filling in for the 34-year-old when required.
According to Sport, the Catalan side’s main priority next summer is finding an able replacement, with Neves top of the list of potential candidates.
In a boost to Barcelona’s hopes, the Wolves star is reportedly interested in the move after rejecting approaches from both Manchester United and Liverpool.
Barcelona are reportedly planning on signing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves in the summer
The Catalan side are said to be looking for a replacement for 34-year-old Sergio Busquets
Wolves may well be willing to sell their captain, with his current deal running until 2024 and it looking unlikely a new one will be signed.
Barca are also reportedly also keeping tabs on Martin Zubimendi, but it is believed Real Sociedad are keen to extend his contract and add a hefty release clause.
Manchester United also remain interested in Neves, and could pursue a move after missing out on De Jong in the summer.
Neves, whose current contract runs out in 2024, is thought to be keen on a move to Spain
Neves, however, is thought to have turned down offers from the Premier League to pursue a move to Spain.
Sport claim that both United and Liverpool contacted Neves’ agent, Jorge Mendes, about a possible deal, but the midfielder wasn’t interested in negotiating with either side.
The Molineux club value Neves at about £70million, which no club has yet been willing to pay.
Barcelona reportedly made a move for the Portugal star in the summer window, but differences in value delayed the move.
Manchester United, alongside Liverpool, reportedly made an approach to sign Neves
Frenkie de Jong, who United missed out on in the summer, has had to deputise for Busquets
It’s possible the LaLiga side will be able to negotiate a cheaper deal this season with Neves’ contract running down.
Wolves know that selling Neves is the simplest way to give boss Bruno Lage the funds to make the changes he wants.
There is also the risk that with no new deal seemingly set to be signed, they may have to part ways to avoid losing their captain for free.
Neves has 220 appearances for Wolves since joining from Porto in 2017, scoring 25 goals.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk