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Barcelona-linked Ruben Neves reveals Champions League ambition

Barcelona-linked Neves reveals Champions League ambition
© Reuters
Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves says that he wants to play in the Champions League amid reports of interest from Barcelona.

Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves has revealed that he wants to play in the Champions League amid the ongoing speculation surrounding his future.

The 26-year-old has again been a vital player for Wolves during the 2022-23 campaign, featuring on 39 occasions in all competitions, scoring six goals and registering one assist in the process.

The Portugal international has now been with the English club for six years, making 251 appearances, scoring 30 goals and registering 13 assists.

Neves's contract at Molineux is due to expire next June, though, and Barcelona continue to be heavily linked with the central midfielder ahead of the summer market.

Arsenal and Manchester United have also previously been linked with the Portuguese, and both clubs will be in the market for new central midfielders this summer.

Manchester United's Christian Eriksen in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Ruben Neves on May 13, 2023© Reuters

Neves was given a standing ovation at Molineux when he was replaced in the 88th minute of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Everton, and there have been claims that he has now played his last home game for Wolves.

The midfielder has revealed that he now faces "a hard decision" when it comes to his future, as he is desperate to play Champions League football at this stage of his career.

"I want to be here but I never hide that I want to play Champions League football. It's a hard decision. Me and my family love it here, but in football you have to go for your main goals," he told reporters on Saturday.

"Nothing's happened yet. If it was my last game here I really enjoyed it and I'm very thankful for the last six seasons."

Ruben Neves in action for Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 6, 2022© Reuters

Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Everton, Wolves head coach Julen Lopetegui told reporters: "I'm very happy with Ruben because he is our player. He's had a very good season. He has a contract. We're very happy he has a contract with us."

Neves played in the Champions League during his time at Porto, turning out for the Portuguese giants on 16 occasions in the competition.

Barcelona will sign a new central midfielder this summer, with Sergio Busquets moving on at the end of June, and Neves is believed to favour a move to Camp Nou over any other club.

Earlier this month, it was claimed that Wolves had placed a valuation of €50m (£43.4m) on their captain, although there have been suggestions of a possible swap deal involving Ansu Fati, who has struggled to make his mark at Barcelona during the 2022-23 camping.

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Ruben Neves in action for Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 1, 2022
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