Wolverhampton Wanderers are ‘definitely in the hunt’ for Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha ahead of the upcoming transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 26-year-old has excelled for the reigning Portuguese champions over the last 18 months or so, leading to speculation over a potential move away from the Estádio José Alvalade.
What is the latest news involving Wolves?
According to The Athletic, there are major doubts over the futures of key Wolves midfield duo Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho, with the compatriots possibly set for pastures new in the summer.
The report states that there is ‘an acceptance’ that Neves may be sold if a suitable offer arrives amid interest from Barcelona and top Premier League clubs.
Meanwhile, Moutinho has entered the final few months of his current contract, and while negotiations are still ongoing over a new deal, there is no guarantee that he will commit his future to the club.
And Palhinha, along with Sporting teammate Matheus Luiz Nunes, are said to be the players on Wolves’ radar as they prepare to rebuild their engine room ahead of next season.
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The two Portugal internationals have formed a formidable partnership in the capital club’s engine room of late, helping to guide Rúben Amorim’s charges to their first top-flight title in 19 years last term.
However, freelance reporter Jacque Talbot has previously claimed Tottenham, Manchester United and Newcastle are also in the running for Palhinha before stating that Molineux is his ‘most likely’ destination.
What has Jones said about Palhinha?
Palhinha’s agent is Jorge Mendes, who has a very close relationship with the Wolves hierarchy and has moved several of his clients to the Midlands outfit in recent years.
And Jones believes that Bruno Lage’s side will ‘have the jump’ over the likes of Spurs in the race to sign the 6 foot 3 beast.
He told GiveMeSport: “Wolves are definitely in the hunt for people like that, and I think Tottenham were interested in Palhinha. But I would imagine that Wolves would probably have the jump on them for a player like that, to be honest.”
How has Palhinha been playing?
Palhinha has made 33 appearances across all competitions throughout 2021/22 as Sporting claimed the League Cup and Portuguese Super Cup, reached the last 16 of the Champions League and attempt to retain their league title.
The Verde e brancos will also try to overturn a 2-1 deficit when they take on FC Porto in the second-leg of the Portuguese Cup, and Palhinha’s underlying numbers indicate he has played a key role in their success to date.
As per WhoScored, the defensive midfielder has won 1.9 aerial duels and averaged 3.1 tackles and one interception per league game this season, placing him in the top five for each metric amongst his teammates.