Liverpool report: Midfielder snubbed Reds approach to hold out for Barcelona switch

Wolves captain Ruben Neves reportedly rejected the possibility of joining Liverpool from this summer, instead preferring to wait for a move to Barcelona.

The Reds ultimately signed Arthur on loan from Juventus as midfield cover, but it seems that they were keen to bring Neves, 25, to Anfield.

According to Spanish newspaper Sport (via the Liverpool Echo), Liverpool made contact with the Portugal international's camp to discuss a deal – as did their arch-rivals Manchester United.

But, the report adds, Neves had little desire to talk to either club as he already has his sights set on signing for Barcelona.

It seems that the Catalan giants' well-documented financial difficulties ruled out any deal this summer – but, in a separate report, Sport claim that Barca are considering Neves as a successor to veteran midfield lynchpin Sergio Busquets.

Neves has also been linked with Arsenal – and his apparent price tag would have required the Gunners, Liverpool and Manchester United to break their transfer record.

Speaking back in April, Wolves boss Bruno Lage said: "These top players like Ruben Neves have a value of £100m."

Neves joined Wolves from Porto in July 2017 for a then club-record fee and helped them to promotion from the Championship as league winners in his first season at Molineux.

He's closing in on 200 Premier League appearances – a milestone which, assuming he features in every game between now and then, he'll reach on Boxing Day.

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Liverpool have been linked with Borussia Dortmund and England sensation Jude Bellingham, and are reportedly open to offloading Naby Keita in a player-plus-cash deal.

There has also been talk of the Reds making a move for highly-rated Flamengo midfielder Joao Gomes, as well as signing Memphis Depay from Barcelona in exchange for Roberto Firmino.

Elsewhere, one former Liverpool player has blamed Jurgen Klopp for Sadio Mane's decision to leave the club this summer.