If Wolverhampton Wanderers can secure the signing of Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes, then it would provide a ‘huge boost’ to manager Bruno Lage, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 23-year-old is reportedly on the radar of the Midlands outfit ahead of the summer transfer window and could be one of their highest-profile acquisitions in recent years.

What is the latest news involving Wolves?

According to The Athletic, Nunes and Sporting teammate Joao Palhinha are ‘among the options’ for Wolves as they target reinforcements in the middle of the pitch.

It’s believed that the Portugal internationals are seen as potential replacements for compatriots Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves, with the pair linked with moves away from Molineux.

Moutinho’s current contract is set to expire in a few months’ time, and although talks are said to be continuing over a possible extension, he could still seek a new challenge next term.

Meanwhile, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Catalan giants Barcelona are thought to be weighing up moves for Neves following an impressive five-year stint in English football.

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And the same report from The Athletic claims that Lage has informed chairman Jeff Shi and the recruitment team at Wolves of the specific profile of player he wants to target ahead of next season.

The Portuguese tactician is said to be keen to evolve his side’s style of play, allowing them to be more attacking, physical and capable of playing with a higher defensive line and in multiple formations.

What has O’Rourke said about Nunes?

Wolves have a strong Portuguese contingent at the club due to their close relationship with super-agent Jorge Mendes, and O’Rourke believes using their ‘connections’ to fend off the competition for Nunes would be a significant achievement.

He told GiveMeSport: “If Wolves can steal a march by using their Portuguese connections to try and get a deal done, that will be a huge boost to Bruno Lage and his plans for next summer.”

Would Nunes be a good signing?

Nunes, who is valued at £27m, has made 45 appearances for Sporting throughout 2021/22, racking up eight goal contributions as the capital club reached the knockout stages of the Champions League.

And the engine room operator’s underlying numbers also highlight his telling contribution to the success of Ruben Amorim’s charges.

As per FBref, Nunes has ranked in the 99^th percentile for assists and dribbles completed and the 82^nd for pressures compared to players in his position over the last year, indicating he could prove to be a smart purchase by the Wolves hierarchy.