Wolves star Ruben Neves wanted by Barcelona but Spanish giants yet to submit offer for £45million-rated midfielder

Barcelona are interested in signing Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves, talkSPORT understands.

Wolves are ready to entertain offers of around £45million for the Portuguese international this summer.

It is believed Neves is keen to make the switch to join the Spanish giants and current LaLiga leaders, with his agent Jorge Mendes ready to push through the midfielder’s dream transfer.

However, as of Saturday morning, no bid has been received from the Catalan giants.

Barcelona manager Xavi is looking to bolster his midfield options this summer following confirmation Sergio Busquets will depart the Nou Camp at the end of the season.

Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, who shone for Morocco in their surprise run to the World Cup semi-finals in Qatar, is said to be Xavi’s preferred choice as the 34-year-old’s replacement.

But Barca’s ongoing financial problems means they are looking for cheaper options.

Neves will not come that cheap, though, with Wolves demanding a sum close to £45m for their star man.

The 26-year-old joined Wolves in 2017 when the club was still in the Championship, signing for £15.8m from Porto.

He was named the club’s Player of the Season and was included in the Championship’s Team of the Season as Wolves were crowned champions in his first campaign, and Neves has been a consistent performer in the Premier League ever since.

In six years he has made 250 appearances for Wanderers, scoring 30 goals and providing 13 assists – but those stats do not accurately reflect his impact on the pitch, having also captained the side regularly.

Now, he appears keen to make the next step in his career with Barcelona, but their financial troubles mean they may have to wait to get a deal done.

LaLiga effectively imposed a transfer ban on the Catalan giants due to their situation, and they are waiting for the all-clear to resume Xavi’s rebuilding job at the Nou Camp.

Barcelona could look to negotiate a lower fee, with Neves entering the final year of his contract at Molinuex.

It is claimed they could also offer a player to Wolves as part of a swap deal – with Ansu Fati recently linked.

But the Spanish champions-elect – who could wrap up their first title since 2019 this weekend – aren’t the only clubs keen on Neves with Arsenal and Manchester United also linked with an interest.