Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is likely to leave the club this summer and Barcelona are keen on signing him, according to reliable journalist David Ornstein for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Neves' Wolves future in doubt

The Portuguese maestro has stood out as one of the Old Gold's best players this season, recapturing some of his best form and making 26 starts in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, Neves has been linked with an exit from Molineux this summer, with the 24-year-old potentially eyeing up a new challenge at an elite European club.

A fresh update has now emerged which appears to further increase the probability of him moving on from the Black Country.

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The Latest: Ornstein provides Neves latest

According to The Athletic's Ornstein, Barcelona look like the most likely club to snap up Neves this summer, with discussions currently underway over his future. The journalist reported:

"However the campaign ends, it is expected to be another summer of change at Molineux — with uncertainty over the future of some key players, such as Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho.

"There is an acceptance that after five years of fine service, Neves may be sold if a suitable offer arrives and gives him a chance to play Champions League football.

"Discussions are taking place between intermediaries and at present the most likely destination is said to be Barcelona, though Premier League teams are known to be keen and Wolves would gladly sign him to a new contract."

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

Sad as it may be to accept, Neves does look likely to leave at the end of the season, having given five years of great service to Wolves and making 207 appearances overall.

As he approaches 25, the midfielder - who has been described as 'fantastic' by Molineux team-mate Jose Sa - may feel that now is the right time to enjoy a new chapter in his career.

It would be hard to begrudge Neves a move to a club of Barcelona's legendary stature, and should it happen, finding the right replacement then becomes pivotal for Bruno Lage to ensure that Wanderers continue their upward trajectory.

In other news, Wolves have been linked with a move for one La Liga winger this summer. Read more here.