MANCHESTER UNITED and Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Wolves star Ruben Neves as Barcelona are no longer interested, according to reports.
A number of top clubs have been keen to recruit the 25-year-old with his contract expiring at the end of next season.
Barcelona were one of them but they have had second thoughts and may now turn to other targets.
Neves was reportedly on the Catalan giants’ shortlist for the January transfer window and were considering an initial loan bid with an obligation to buy for £43million.
He was seen as part of the strategy to replace long-serving veteran Sergio Busquets in central midfield.
But Barca boss Xavi is concerned he will not suit his side’s tactical setup, claim Spanish outlet Sport.
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Xavi fears he does not have the right attributes to be a direct replacement for Busquets in the holding midfield role and will instead move for other players.
This comes as a huge blow for Neves himself who recently flirted with a move to the Nou Camp saying it would be a “privilege” to play for “one of the world’s best clubs.”
Man Utd are thought to be big admirers of the ex-Porto ace and they may make a bid for him.
Erik ten Hag’s side were linked with Neves over the summer along with many other midfielders, including Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
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Barca pulling out is also good news for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta is expected to bolster his options after attempting to sign an additional midfielder in the summer but with no luck.
Busquets, 34, is set to join Inter Miami at the end of this season when his deal runs out.
Barca reportedly prefer Ajax star Edson Alvarez and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to Neves.
But their ability to make signings could be affected by their failure to get out the group stages of the Champions League amid a challenging financial situation.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
