Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Moutinho 'might fancy a new challenge' away from Molineux as his contract nears its expiry, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Moutinho joined Wolves in a £5million switch from Monaco in 2018, but there are doubts over the central midfielder's long-term future.

What's the latest news involving Moutinho?

As it stands, it appears Moutinho is set to leave Wolves at the end of the season as his contract is due to expire in the summer.

The 35-year-old is currently the West Midlands outfit's highest-earner, with his deal worth £100,000-per-week.

Despite the precarious situation, head coach Bruno Lage has insisted that he is relaxed and remains in no rush to enter negotiations over fresh terms.

The uncertainty has led to clubs being put on red alert and Jornal de Noticias, via Sport Witness, have claimed that Moutinho could be set to return to his homeland of Portugal in the summer.

With the central midfielder entering the final six months of his deal at the turn of the year, Moutinho is already able to sign a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs.

Do Chelsea fans want the impossible?!? Fallout from Ricketts controversy on The Football Terrace...

What has Dean Jones said about Moutinho?

Jones believes there is still a possibility that Moutinho will commit his immediate future to Wolves by negotiating fresh terms.

However, the transfer insider reckons the 142-cap Portugal international could be seeking a change of scenery ahead of hanging up his boots.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think it's possible that he will stay at Wolves, but he just needs to be cautious about a new deal because you don't want to get yourself tied down to something that you can't get out of.

"I think it is plausible that something might appeal to him in the next couple of years and he might fancy a new challenge."

Would Moutinho's exit come as a huge blow to Wolves?

Moutinho has become a key component of Wolves' midfield since his arrival, chalking up 168 appearances and displaying his attacking capabilities by registering 28 goal contributions.

The change of management has not had an impact on his game-time, with him only missing three fixtures since Lage was appointed as the Molineux-based side's head coach last summer, emphasising his importance to the team.

Moutinho has earned rave reviews since heading to the Premier League, with Alan Shearer recently describing the Portuguese ace as 'outstanding', so his departure would leave a huge void for Lage to fill in the summer.