Earlier this week, we covered a claim from Marca that Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rúben Neves is a ‘big objective’ for Barcelona to replace Sergio Busquets.
The 34-year-old has less than 12 months left on his contract and is expected to leave the Camp Nou at the end of this season.
This has seen the La Liga side start looking for Busquets’ successor and the Wolves star has been identified as among the options.
Sport on Thursday again state the Portugal international is an option for the Catalan club. The 25-year-old’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has good ties with the Blaugrana.
Despite having Bruno Lage’s man in their list, Barcelona’s priority is Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi. It’s explained he is the favourite target for Xavi Hernández and co. to replace Busquets at the club.
Zubimendi has a deal until 2025 and it includes a €60m release clause. Real Sociedad are working to extend his contract so that they can offer him a better salary and also improve his clause. 
Even without a renewal, the La Real leaders to cling to the 23-year-old’s buyout clause ahead of next summer. Barca, for their part, would want to negotiate to lower the price, but it won’t be easy.
This report indicates that Xavi’s side have their eyes firmly set on Zubimendi and could move away from the Wolves player.
