Barcelona 'eye Ruben Neves as Sergio Busquets replacement'

Barcelona have reportedly earmarked Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves as an ideal replacement for Sergio Busquets.

Busquets has remained a key player for La Blaugrana in the 2021-22 season - making 26 starts in La Liga - but he will celebrate his 34th birthday in July.

Furthermore, with the World Cup-winning Spain international due to become a free agent in the summer of 2023, Barca are thought to be planning for life without their long-serving lynchpin.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Wolves' Neves has now emerged as a leading target, with the Portuguese's agent Jorge Mendes and Barca president Joan Laporta enjoying a close relationship.

However, the report adds that Wolves' €50m (£42m) asking price could scupper a move, while Arsenal and Manchester United are also thought to retain an interest in the 25-year-old.

Neves has registered four goals and two assists in 30 appearances for Bruno Lage's side in all competitions this term and is under contract at Molineux until 2024.