Transfer Talk: Barca pursue Neves but Xavi has doubts

Barcelona are lining up a move for Wolves and Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves.

Neves, 25, has played 228 times for the Premier League side since joining in 2017 but finds himself at an impasse with his contract expiring in the summer of 2024.

The Portugal regular has been a prominent feature under Fernando Santos at the World Cup in Qatar and his performances have sparked interest from several clubs.

And according to SPORT, the Catalan club are in pole position to sign the international, but there are some doubts from manager Xavi.

The report suggests that Neves is open to a move but the Barca manager has reservations about whether he can thrive in a midfield pivot. 

Talks were reportedly held last summer for the Wolves No8 but both parties have agreed to revisit the situation in 2023.

Neves has scored four times in 14 Premier League appearances for the Midlands side this season and has accumulated 40 goal contributions in his five years at the club.

With Franck Kessie failing to make an impact at the Camp Nou, the former Porto man may be the only available replacement in January as Barca look to continue their title charge.

In other news 

According to reports, Real Madrid have approached Benfica to discuss signing the highly-rated Enzo Fernandez.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester United will look to extend defender Diogo Dalot's contract on his return from the World Cup.

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of bringing Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane to the Emirates, say Bild.