Ruben Neves of Wolverhampton Wanderers has been heavily linked with a move to FC Barcelona, as a possible replacement for captain Sergio Busquets.
The Portuguese international has been on the club’s radars for a while, with reports suggesting that he is also the preferred option for president Joan Laporta.
In fact, recent reports suggested that super-agent Jorge Mendes had offered Neves to Barcelona, even though manager Xavi Hernandez continues to have doubts about his suitability.
Amidst this, Fabrizio Romano has come up with an update on the situation surrounding the former FC Porto starlet, stating that while his name has been discussed at Barcelona, the Catalans have other priorities for the summer, which include a certain Martin Zubimendi.
“He’s been discussed with Barcelona but they have different priorities for the summer including Martin Zubimendi, so let’s see how they will decide to proceed,” Romano said (via Caught Offside).
Zubimendi has long been touted to be Xavi’s preferred option to take over from Busquets in case the club captain leaves at the end of the season.
However, the problem with the 23-year-old Spaniard is that he has a release clause worth €60 million in his contract with Real Sociedad. And La Real are not willing to offer any discounts on that figure, which puts Barça in a difficult spot.
The Catalan heavyweights’ financial problems make it near-impossible for Xavi & co. to shell out such a sum on a single player, especially when there are other areas that the club wish to bolster in the summer.
As for Neves, the Portuguese international was reported to be keen on a move to Barcelona in the past. However, as per recent reports, the midfielder is now open to listening to offers from clubs in the Premier League amid Xavi’s doubts.