Barcelona boss Xavi has reportedly already spoken with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves regarding a potential summer transfer.
With Neves's contract at Molineux expiring in 2024, interested clubs have started to circle over the coming months, aware that Wolves may want to cash in on their most prized asset.
Although Manchester United and Arsenal are said to be admirers of the Portugal international, it has been widely claimed that the 25-year-old's preferred destination is Camp Nou.
In recent weeks, the suggestion has also been that super-agent Jorge Mendes will attempt to engineer a proposal which suits all parties.
According to Sport, Xavi has already taken the opportunity to hold informal talks with Neves in order to discuss his plans for him.
© Reuters
The report claims that Xavi has identified Neves as his preferred alternative to Sergio Busquets, who will turn 34 years of age before the start of next season.
Furthermore, it is said that Neves is prepared to remain patient in a bid to secure a transfer to the Catalan giants, aware that it could take some time to raise the necessary funds.
Earlier this week, a report stated that Barcelona are currently not in a position to register the likes of Andreas Christensen or Franck Kessie, even though their arrivals will be as free agents.
The issue highlights the level of work that must be conducted behind the scenes in order for Barcelona to press ahead with their transfer plans over the coming months.
Ideally, the La Liga outfit would like to include a number of their fringe players in a proposal for Neves with Oscar Mingueza, Nico Gonzalez and Riqui Puig all in the running to be included in part-exchange.
© Reuters
With Wolves wanting in excess of £50m for Neves, Barcelona will have to make a number of sales if the Premier League club are not prepared to entertain such an arrangement.
That said, the possibility remains that Wolves will look to sign current loanee Francisco Trincao from Barcelona on a permanent deal, despite the winger failing to impress during his first year in England.
The 22-year-old did not register a goal or assist in the Premier League until March, although his individual effort versus Chelsea in May could convince Wolves to pay up to £25m for the playmaker.
When commenting on Neves's future on Tuesday, Wolves' technical director Scott Sellars admitted that the club had to be "realistic" about the likelihood of selling the central midfielder this summer.
Darren Plant
