Barcelona president Joan Laporta is making progress on a deal to sign Ruben Neves even though coach Xavi Hernandez prefers other targets to the Wolves midfielder, sources have told ESPN.
Neves, 26, was of interest to Barca last summer and has emerged as an option once again following Sergio Busquets' announcement that he will leave the Catalan club when his contract expires in the summer.
However, the move is the subject of an internal debate at Camp Nou. Laporta, who maintains a close relationship with Neves' agent Jorge Mendes, is keen to bring in the Portugal international, but Xavi is unconvinced he is a fit for his style of play.
Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi is Xavi's first choice option but a deal has been effectively ruled out with the club wanting an offer of €70 million. Zubimendi was also lined up last summer in the event that Frenkie de Jong joined Manchester United.
