Ruben Neves transfer news: Wolves midfielder a priority for Barcelona
Cameron Smith
- 10 Jun 2022 17:22 BST
- 3 min read
Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves has reportedly emerged as a "priority" for Barcelona this summer.
The 25-year-old has been linked with several Premier League clubs over the past few months, with his future at Molineux currently unknown.
Manchester United and Arsenal are among the teams said to be taking an interest in the Portugal international, but neither have made a move for the midfielder yet.
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Neves joined Wolves from Porto back in 2017, and after five years at the club he could leave this summer. His contract is due to expire in 2024, meaning Wolves aren't yet obliged to sell.
Wolves head coach Bruno Lage has previously placed a €120 million price tag on Neves' head, but it's since been reported that the club would be willing to sell Neves for €82m.
Neves a priority for Barcelona
According to Sport, Barcelona have now become heavily invested in Neves' situation and are reportedly willing to do "everything possible to sign Neves in the coming weeks." This message was reportedly communicated during a meeting with the club and super-agent Jorge Mendes last week.
The report details that Barcelona view signing Neves as an "absolute priority" and see the player competing with Sergio Busquets for the role as the midfield pivot.
Milan's Franck Kessie is still expected to arrive on a free transfer, but the club's other midfield target, Bernardo Silva, has been deemed out of their price range.
They have settled on Neves to rotate with Busquets as the future of Frenkie de Jong remains unclear. The Dutchman is wanted by Manchester United, but it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag can convince the midfielder to abandon Champions League football next season.
Wolves have reportedly already lined up Neves' replacement, with Sporting CP's Joao Palhinha heavily linked with a move to Molineux.
As well as Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao has also been placed outside of Barcelona's price range, despite the club's interest in the Milan forward.
