Manchester United could be left having some catching up to do in this summer's transfer market should key targets be snapped up as Erik ten Hag awaits confirmation of his transfer budget.
This comes as Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves has reportedly emerged as a target for Barcelona, with the Portuguese midfielder said to be involved in a potential swap deal. According to Spanish publication Revelo, Jorge Mendes has been in Catalonia this week to discuss potential deals, with a proposal including Ansu Fati reportedly on the agenda.
While it is far from a straightforward negotiation, Jorge Mendes has the capacity to push for a deal with clients Fati, Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal all at the La Liga club. His relationship with Wolves and Neves could enable a deal to take place but there could be some differences in valuation of Fati.
Barca will need to seek such deals in order to achieve their goals, with their current financial situation being closely monitored by the authorities. Fati will also need to agree to a deal, but with the goal of securing a move for Neves, who has spent six years at Wolves, Mendes could push hard to find a solution for both of his clients.
This week's developments will be tough to hear for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who has admitted that he is unclear as to his club's budget for the summer amid the protracted takeover saga. Neves has been linked to United for a number of years, and he enters the final year of his contract at Molineux this summer.
The 26-year-old is Wolves' top scorer this season, with six goals in the league, and would bring competition for Christian Eriksen in the deeper-lying midfield role alongside Casemiro. However, with Barca entering the race, it could cause early summer frustration for ten Hag, who even if he wanted to act, cannot do so in the short term until the takeover is finalised.
United are expected to be in a stronger position to complete transfers than Barcelona this summer, however, with the Catalan giants still needing to free up £178 million from their budget before any money can be spent. This means that this and any other transfer could be dependent on their players agreeing to leave.
Fati is under contract until 2027 at the Nou Camp, he could dig his heels in to stay at the club and not risk failing in the Premier League after injuries have affected his form in recent years. Should he fail to agree with Mendes and Barcelona on leaving the club then United will have the advantage in signing Neves, albeit with potential competition from Arsenal and Liverpool.
With much to focus on, United will not be too distracted by Neves' situation and the need to sign a new striker to lead the line for Ten Hag will be a far more pressing concern. When the new owners, be that Sheikh Jassim or Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrive, the chances are that a marquee signing will follow and current main target Harry Kane would fit that bill more than Neves at present.
