By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

21st Mar, 2023 | 4:00pm

Sources: Liverpool ahead of Barcelona in Ruben Neves race

Liverpool and Man United lead La Liga table-toppers Barcelona in the race to sign Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

This site revealed on Monday (20 March) that Neves is ready to quit Wolves this summer even if the Midlands club avoid relegation to the Championship – as he seeks a new challenge at a higher level.

Barca are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old but it is believed that their financial situation is likely to affect their ability to do a deal during the off-season.

Neves has been targetted by the Spanish giants as a potential successor to legendary midfielder Sergio Busquets, who could leave the club for Inter Miami aged 34 this summer.

Liverpool are a potential destination for the Wolves star as the Merseysiders look to reshape their midfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s side are set to lose Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of their Anfield contracts, while the future of James Milner is also in doubt.

Man United are another of the top European sides considering a move for Neves as Erik ten Hag continues his rejuvenation of the Old Trafford club.

Scott McTominay could leave the club in the off-season, while Marcel Sabitzer is set to return to Bayern Munich when his loan expires.

Neves is out of contract in under 18 months, and Wolves are not likely to stand in the way of a potential exit this summer after renewal negotiations broke down.

The former Porto star has turned out 32 times across all competitions as a regular starter this season, scoring five goals.

Neves, who was made the club captain following Conor Coady’s loan departure to Everton last summer (2022), earns a reported wage of £50,000-a-week at Molineux.

In other news, Football Insider updates as Jurgen Klopp pressures Liverpool to give veteran new contract.