Wolves 'have to qualify for Europe' to keep hold of £45m Molineux star

Wolverhampton Wanderers are under pressure to qualify for European football as failing to do so could result in Ruben Neves seeking to leave Molineux, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The central midfielder was the subject of interest during the January transfer window and it appears he will be coveted by numerous clubs in the summer.

It appears a move to La Liga could be on the cards if Neves’ Wolves career comes to an end as Spanish sources have claimed that Barcelona are targeting the Portuguese ace as a potential replacement for holding midfielder Sergio Busquets.

The development comes after the Daily Mail revealed the Catalan giants are eager to strike a deal at the end of the season.

The report suggests talks have already been held between Barcelona and Neves’ intermediaries.

But Barcelona are not the 25-year-old’s only suitors as Italian media outlet Calciomercato have claimed Juventus are also hoping to prise Neves away from the West Midlands.

Manchester United and Arsenal reportedly pursued Neves during the winter window, which closed at the end of January, and a deal would have been possible if either of the Premier League rivals had lodged a bid worth in the region of £45million.

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Jones believes Neves will seek a new challenge if Wolves fail to qualify for one of Europe’s leading club competitions ahead of next season.

The transfer insider understands the 26-cap Portugal international is highly sought-after with the opening of the summer window fast approaching.

He feels Neves, who has been described as ‘fantastic’ by Premier League icon Rio Ferdinand, needs to be on the books of one of the continent’s biggest clubs.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “I