Ruben Neves option gaining ground for Barca

Barcelona are sending messages about needing to tighten their belts in the coming transfer windows. The big investment came last summer and the lack of space in the salary limit is tying the club's hands. They will sign a midfielder though and likely it will be Ruben Neves, despite Xavi's reticence.

The club like the Wolves man and he would come at a low cost, with Wolves open to accepting a player in exchange. There are some like Kessie and Nico who in the summer might be tempted.

Neves rejected various offers last summer to wait for Barca, and is looking forward to joining, waiting for the total OK for the deal, something that hasn't happened because of Xavi's doubts. The coach is not convinced because he sees Neves as more of an interior or double pivot player than someone who can be the Busquets alone. He thinks there are better options on the market.

It may all depend on whether Xavi can get Busquets to stay for another year and how De Jong fares in the position.