Transfer Centre

Barcelona, Manchester United 'learn Ruben Neves asking price'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 23 June 2022

Barcelona, Man United 'learn Ruben Neves asking price'

Wolverhampton Wanderers put a valuation of £70m on Ruben Neves amid interest from Barcelona and Manchester United, according to a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly put a valuation of £70m on Ruben Neves, with Barcelona and Manchester United both said to be interested in the central midfielder.

The Portugal international has made 212 appearances for Wolves since moving to Molineux from Porto in July 2017, including 36 outings in all competitions during the 2021-22 campaign.

Neves contributed four goals and two assists in 33 Premier League appearances last term, but his long-term future at the club is in doubt, as his current deal is due to expire in June 2024.

Barcelona and Man United have both been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, who is believed to be keen to seek pastures new during this summer's transfer window.

However, according to The Telegraph, Wolves will not sell the Portuguese in the current market unless they receive an offer in the region of £70m.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves during the match on December 11, 2021 © Reuters

Man United could spend a similar fee on Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong this summer, which could give the Catalan side the funds to move for Neves.

However, Xavi's side are prioritising a deal for Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski, while Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Sevilla's Jules Kounde are both said to be leading targets.

A recent report claimed that Neves would be open to discussing a new deal at Wolves, with the club prepared to hand him an increase on his current salary to keep him at Molineux.

Arsenal have also been strongly linked with the Portuguese, but the Gunners are believed to have now dropped their interest after securing the signature of Fabio Vieira from Porto.

Ruben Neves celebrates scoring for Wolves on February 27, 2021 © Reuters

Neves, who has been capped on 30 occasions by Portugal, has contributed 24 goals and 12 assists for Wolves during his five seasons at the club, four of which have been in the Premier League.

Man United have allowed both Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba to leave the club on free transfers this summer, so two central midfielders could arrive before the end of the window.

Barcelona might also be in the market for a new midfielder if De Jong moves to Man United, although the club are believed to have already secured the signing of Franck Kessie on a free transfer from AC Milan.

The Catalan outfit remain hopeful of bringing Lewandowski to Camp Nou, while a number of players, including Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti and Oscar Mingueza, could be on their way out.

Ousmane Dembele will also leave Barcelona on a free transfer at the end of the month if he fails to come to an agreement with the club over an extension.