Barcelona could replace Sergio Busquets with Ruben Never next summer, according to a report.
Xavi’s side have been light on defensive midfield options and don’t 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 this summer is finding an able replacement, with Neves top of the list of potential candidates and the Wolves star interested in the move after rejecting approaches from both Manchester United and Liverpool.
Wolves are 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, however, is thought to have turned down offers from the Premier League to pursue a move to Spain.
Sport report 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 at least delayed the move.
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, and 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.