Transfer Talk: Barca end Neves pursuit in boost for PL trio

Jamie Gordon

LiveScore

Ruben Neves is in demand as he enters the last year of his deal this summer

Barcelona will not follow up on their Ruben Neves interest this summer, leaving the door open for Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle.

The Wolves star, whose contract runs out in 2024, had been linked with the Catalan giants and was believed to be keen on a move to the Camp Nou.

But according to reports in Spain, Barca's coaching staff are not convinced and they will pursue other targets instead.

That would leave the Premier League trio in pole position to persuade Neves, 25, to leave the Midlands after six seasons at Molineux.

The 37-cap Portugal star has been a reliable presence in Wolves' midfield since 2017 and has racked up 238 appearances — never failing to play fewer than 35 games in a season up until the current campaign.

His technical brilliance and trademark free-kicks are his standout qualities but Neves is also adept at the defensive side of the game and played a key disruptive role in yesterday's comeback win over Southampton.

Liverpool are in desperate need of young legs to freshen up an ageing midfield, while United's depth has been tested by injuries to Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Scott McTominay of late.

Newcastle may offer the most intriguing prospect with Eddie Howe looking to add more quality alongside the impressive Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, who has been reborn as a box-to-box midfielder.