Barcelona lining up move for Ruben Neves?

Barcelona have reportedly set their sights on a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves in January.

The Blaugrana were among a number of elite clubs that were heavily linked with the 25-year-old playmaker, who had been expected to depart Molineux.

The Portugal international has acknowledged himself that things appeared to be in place to take on a new challenge, but he started 2022-23 in the West Midlands.

The Premier League outfit currently sit in the relegation zone, and the club’s owners will not be able to tempt the Portuguese into extending his deal.

According to Sport, the Catalan giants could be ready to take full advantage in the mid-season as they bid to bring in another central midfielder.

The report adds that a salary agreement for Neves is already in place between Barca and Mendes, with the La Liga outfit hoping to press on with a loan deal with an obligation to buy in winter.

Neves has a contract at Molineux until June 2024.