Manchester United willing to splash €85 million for 25-year-old Barcelona target – report

Barcelona have set their sights on a move for Ruben Neves in the summer of 2023 as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets. However, as relayed by SPORT, they are now facing competition from Premier League giants Manchester United for the signing of the Wolves midfielder.

Neves has been with the Midlands outfit since 2017 and has steadily established himself as one of the most consistent performers in the English top flight. A permanent presence in the centre of the park for his club, the 25-year-old is also an integral part of the Portuguese national team.

And, his growth has not been lost on Barcelona, who are targeting a move for the former FC Porto as they wish to bring in a replacement for Busquets. The club captain is out of contract at the end of the season and is being linked with a move to the MLS.

His departure will leave a huge void in the middle of the park at Barça, something they are hoping to fill that vacancy with Neves’ signing.

But, Manchester United have now entered the race to sign the Portuguese international next summer. Despite having invested heavily to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid last summer, it seems like the Red Devils want another midfielder in their ranks.

Neves, to that end, has emerged as a strong candidate for the club given his qualities and proven pedigree in the Premier League. To that end, Erik ten Hag’s side are even open to splashing as much as €85 million to sign the Wolves superstar.

If Manchester United table such a big offer, it could become difficult for Barcelona to match that, which might force the club to look at alternatives such as Martin Zubimendi, although he is closing in a contract renewal with Real Sociedad.

However, the Blaugrana might have an advantage in the race, though, as they have a solid relationship with Neves’ agent, Jorge Mendes. On top of that, recent reports claimed that the midfielder had turned down United, as well as Liverpool already, to wait for an opportunity to join the Catalans.

Neves’ contract with Wolves runs until 2024, meaning he will enter the final year of his deal in the summer. Whether Barcelona can leverage their relationship with Mendes and the player’s desire to join them to beat Manchester United in the race will be interesting to see.