MANCHESTER UNITED, Liverpool and Newcastle are reportedly “in a straight fight” to sign Ruben Neves this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Portuguese midfielder, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona over recent months.
However, a fresh report has now claimed that the LaLiga giants have pulled out of the transfer race.
And now that has left the Premier League trio of United, Liverpool and Newcastle battling it out for his signature.
Spanish publication Sport reports that Neves’ agent Jorge Mendes met with Barcelona officials last week.
But he was allegedly informed during the talks that Xavi’s side are prioritising strengthening in other positions.
They want to secure the future of veteran Sergio Busquets, who is out of contract, also.
And even if they fail to do that, the publication claims that Xavi “prefers the profile of another type of midfielder” rather than Neves.
The ace arrived at Molineux from Porto back in 2017 and has helped the club to consolidate in the Premier League after winning the Championship in his first season there.
He now has less than 18 months remaining on his contract, and rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2024, Wolves look set to sell this summer.
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United boss Erik ten Hag has long-been rumoured to be an admirer of the player, as is Kop manager Jurgen Klopp.
But high-flying Newcastle are the latest team to join the scramble to sign Neves.
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