Lage could land dream Neves replacement as Wolves now eye "spectacular" 20 y/o talent - opinion

Wolves have made Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez one of their top targets this summer if they are to lose Ruben Neves during the upcoming transfer window.

That’s according to reports from Sport (via Barca Universal), claiming that the 20-year-old could be used in a deal to lure Neves to the Nou Camp, with the Spanish giants interested in signing the Portugal international.

It has been suggested that the Blaugrana are favourites to sign the Wolves midfielder this summer, with the 25-year-old likely to be allowed seek pastures new after five years of service if the right fee was to be received.

However, they could benefit from allowing the Portuguese midfielder to join Barcelona by making one of their top targets in Gonzalez part of the deal, with Oscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig also mentioned to be potentially included in a deal with the La Liga giants.

Despite being just 20 years old, Gonzalez has been a regular for Xavi’s side this term, making 36 senior appearances across all competitions. Although most of his appearances have come as a substitute, the Spaniard is well regarded in Catalonia, having come through the ranks at La Masia.

With characteristics of a box-to-box midfielder, the 20-year-old averaged a 90% passing accuracy in La Liga this term from 33.6 touches per game, with over half of his appearances coming from the bench.

Labelled “spectacular” by Cesc Fabregas, Gonzalez has shown promise defensively with 1.1 tackles, 0.4 clearances and 0.2 interceptions per match, whilst being excellent on the ball with 1.3 successful dribbles per game at a 79% completion rate.

Neves may not be the only midfielder leaving Molineux this summer, with 35-year-old Joao Moutinho yet to sign a contract extension at Wolves and