Wolves 'intensify interest' in Barcelona star amid Ruben Neves transfer talks

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly intensified their interest in signing Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez this summer amid talks surrounding the future of Ruben Neves.

Along with Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United, Barcelona have been linked with interest in signing the Portuguese international midfielder this summer. However, Wolves ’ asking price of €50m (£42.7m) is said to be out of Barcelona’s reach, with the Spanish club’s financial situation not making a move viable for them.

Instead, Barcelona are said to be keen on trying to sign Neves by offloading players in their current squad to Molineux. Reports from Sport (as published by Sport Witness ) claim that while Wolves are not keen on either Riqui Puig, Oscar Mingueza or Martin Braithwaite, they have “intensified interest” in a move for Barcelona midfielder Gonzalez, who they could look to use in part of a deal for Neves.

Wolves are reportedly keen on either signing Gonzalez permanently or on loan and that interest could see the two clubs use him as part of a deal for Neves. Both Neves and Gonzalez have the same agent, Jorge Mendes, which bolsters the chances of a deal being struck.

Gonzalez, who has been at Barcelona since 2013, made his debut for the first-team last year and has since played 37 times in all competitions for the Catalan giants, scoring twice for Xavi’s side in La Liga.

Naturally a central midfielder, Gonzalez has also played as a defensive midfielder, a role similar to that of Neves at Molineux. Gonzalez has played 10 times for his country at youth level - seven times for Spain’s under-17s before earning a call-up to the under-21s squad, where he has won three caps.

Neves has previously outlined that it would be difficult