Wolverhampton Wanderers could swoop for Sporting duo Joao Palhinha and Matheus Nunes because of continued fears that Ruben Neves may leave Molineux in the summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Neves made a then-club record move to Wolves for £15.8million close to five years ago, but there are question marks as to whether the former Porto man will still be in the West Midlands by the time next season gets underway.

What's the latest news involving Palhinha and Nunes?

According to The Athletic, Palhinha and Nunes have been added to Wolves head coach Bruno Lage's shortlist of summer targets.

The report suggests the Molineux-based outfit have set their sights on signing two central midfielders in the upcoming transfer window and Lage, who was handed the managerial reins last June, has informed chairman Jeff Shi and the recruitment team of the profile of players he wants to acquire.

Palhinha, a 12-cap Portugal international who is valued at £23.4million by Transfermarkt, is more of a defensive-minded midfielder and won the Primeira Liga title with Sporting last season.

The 26-year-old was recently described as ‘special’ by Sporting head coach Ruben Amorim, so his current employers would fight to keep him in Lisbon.

Nunes, a £27million-rated Portugal international, has registered eight goal contributions this season.

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What has Dean Jones said about the situation?

Jones believes Wolves are only targeting Palhinha and Nunes, 23, due to fears that Neves will leave the club at the end of the campaign.

The transfer insider feels Lage is putting plans in place in case big-name stars depart Molineux.

When asked whether rumours of Neves' potential exit may be the reason for Lage chasing Palhinha and Nunes, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I think that's why Wolves are identifying these guys.

"There's obviously the potential of losing some of their bigger names in the next transfer window, too."

Is Neves likely to leave Wolves this summer?

Lage has claimed that Neves is worth £100million, so it would take a lucrative fee to persuade Wolves to part ways with the central midfielder.

Wolves have reportedly entered discussions over extending Neves’ contract in a bid to deter interested parties in their pursuit.

But, with Neves' current agreement expiring in the summer of 2024, suitors are mulling over whether to test Wolves' resolve.

He has emerged as one of Arsenal's top targets heading into the transfer window, while Barcelona are understood to have held talks with Neves' intermediaries.

Neves will be among the names at the top of Erik ten Hag's wish-list if he is handed the managerial reins at Manchester United, but Juventus could also look to win the race for the 26-cap Portugal international’s signature.