Barcelona ‘in advanced talks to sign Ruben Neves’ after Wolves star’s agent Jorge Mendes holds talks with Spanish club
BARCELONA have identified Wolves star Ruben Neves as the ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets, according to reports.
The midfielder, 25, has attracted a lot of attention for his performances since arriving in England.
Manchester United are reportedly keen on the Portugal international but Barcelona hope they can lure him to the Nou Camp.
The role of his agent Jorge Mendes could be important too due to his links with Barcelona, report Spanish outlet Sport.
The super-agent has conducted deals between the two clubs previously – most recently for Adama Traore’s January loan switch to Barcelona.
He will reportedly offer Wolves some Barcelona youngsters to encourage a deal – with Abde Ezzalzouli, Nico Gonzalez, Alejandro Balde, Riqui Puig and Oscar Mingueza among the names linked with a move to Molineux.
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Wolves have benefitted from Mendes’ relationship with Barca in the past having signed Francisco Trincao last summer and Nelson Semedo the year before.
United and Arsenal are reportedly looking to hijack a move for Neves with Wolves open to offers in the right price range.
However, Wolves fans have warned the club there will be “riots” if they sell – having sold a number of key players in the past, such as Diogo Jota to Liverpool.
Wolves manager Bruno Lage is also hopeful his midfield dynamo will stay despite Champions League football being on offer if he joins Barcelona.
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Lage said: “We need to wait for an offer, we don’t have anything.
“We need to wait for an offer and understand what [will] really happen. What is good for the club, good for the player.
“For me, it is clear, if I want to work with Ruben, yes. If you ask the player if he wants to work for me, for sure he will say yes.
“But this is football and you never know what can happen in the next day.”