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. body check tags ::