Wolves: £45m star leaving Molineux would be 'price of success'

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be paying ‘the price of success’ if Ruben Neves is tempted away from Molineux in the summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Neves has been a key component of Wolves’ midfield since his then-club record switch from Porto close to five years ago, but he is the subject of interest from numerous sides ahead of the season’s climax.

According to the Daily Mail, Barcelona have set their sights on signing Neves and are keen to strike a deal during the summer transfer window.

The report suggests talks have already been held between the Catalan giants and the 26-cap Portugal international’s intermediaries.

Spanish sources have claimed that Barcelona boss Xavi has ear-marked Neves as a potential long-term replacement for holding midfielder Sergio Busquets.

But the La Liga outfit are not the only club targeting the 25-year-old as Italian outlet Calciomercato have revealed Juventus are also hoping to clinch Neves’ signature.

Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly pursued Neves during the January transfer window and a deal would have been sanctioned if either of the Premier League rivals had tabled a bid worth in the region of £45million.

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Jones believes interest in Neves should come as no surprise, particularly considering he has been one of the driving forces behind Wolves’ push for a place in the Premier League’s European qualification places.

The transfer insider feels the midfielder, who has been described by goalkeeper Jose Sa as ‘amazing’, is likely to be the subject of widespread interest come the end of the season.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “It is the price of success when your players are