Barcelona are currently conflicted about a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Ruben Neves, with manager Xavi preferring Martin Zubimendi.
That’s according to AS and Mundo Deportivo, who both cover a potential move for the Wolves star today.
AS explain that there is a ‘coming internal conflict’ at the Nou Camp as Xavi wants Zubimendi but Joan Laporta prefers Neves.
Barcelona are currently searching for a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets and the two midfielders are on their list of targets.
Xavi has told those closest to him that he prefers Zubimendi but Laporta ‘thinks differently’ and is eyeing up a deal for Neves instead.
He admitted to journalists in a meeting recently that the 25-year-old is an ‘easier option’ as Real Sociedad would demand €60m for Zubimendi.
Wolves would be willing to sell Neves for cheaper, particularly if they are relegated, and that cheaper deal would suit Barcelona better as they would then have moved to renew Alejandro Balde.
Both players are represented by Jorge Mendes, who has an ‘excellent relationship’ with Laporta and sporting director Mateu Alemany and can facilitate the deal with Wolves for Neves.
Mundo Deportivo add to this, reporting that Barcelona have ‘continued to scour’ the market for Busquets’ replacement, which is proving to be a ‘complicated task’.
The favourite of the sporting side of things is Zubimendi but his release clause is €60m and that, alongside a club who don’t want to sell, seemingly makes him ‘inaccessible’.
Laporta, meanwhile, ‘likes Ruben Neves a lot’ and has put his name on the table, but he does not convince Xavi and his team.
Their argument is that he wouldn’t fit in to what they are doing as he always plays in a midfield two rather than on his own.
Hence the internal conflict, with Laporta insisting that the financial situation dictates a move for Neves ahead of Zubimendi.
