Barcelona enter talks to sign 24-year-old midfielder, Man United also interested

Barcelona have been in the search to find the perfect replacement for Sergio Busquets for several years now. Players through the academy have come and failed to push the Spaniard out, while the club have been unable to a competent player in a similar position.

Their search has reached the Premier League as a report relayed by METRO claims that Barcelona have entered negotiations with Wolverhampton Wanderers over a summer move for Ruben Neves.

Soon 25, the Portuguese midfielder has been touted with a big move for a few years running. He’s put in some exceptional performances in defensive midfield this season which have seen his name linked with Manchester United.

Barcelona do, however, have the edge over their English counterparts, given their good relationship with Wolves. After trading Nelson Semedo for €30 million, the two clubs have also dealt in loan moves for Francisco Trincao and Adama Traore.

Further, Neves’ agent, Jorge Mendes, also manages Ansu Fati and is said to be on good terms with the Barcelona board. He was also responsible for pushing Traore back to Camp Nou in the winter despite strong links to Tottenham Hotspur.

Neves has scored three goals and assisted one this season playing in that deep midfield role. He will have two years left on his contract by the time the 2021/22 season ends and could cost a price north of €40 million in the summer.