Wolverhampton Wanderers are in line to lure Sporting midfielder Joao Palhinha to Molineux this summer, according to journalist Jacque Talbot.

The West Midlands side secured a top half Premier League finish and, ahead of the transfer window opening next month, Palhinha has worked his way onto head coach Bruno Lage's radar.

What's the latest news involving Palhinha?

According to the Telegraph reporter Mike McGrath, Wolves have made an approach for Palhinha and negotiations over a fee are underway.

Reports in Portugal, via the Express & Star, suggest the central midfielder is available for a cut-price fee of £21million despite his Sporting contract having a release clause worth £50million.

But Wolves are not the only Premier League side chasing Palhinha as Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Everton are also understood to be interested.

The 26-year-old first worked his way onto the Molineux radar due to doubts creeping in over whether Ruben Neves will remain on the club's books heading into next season.

Palhinha has previously gained admiration from Manchester United, who sent scouts to watch him in action for Sporting on a number of occasions.

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What has Jacque Talbot said about Palhinha?

Talbot is certain that Palhinha will be on Wolves' books before the summer transfer window slams shut.

The journalist understands the midfielder's agent, Jorge Mendes, is working tirelessly to ensure he quits Sporting in favour of a Premier League switch.

Talbot told GIVEMESPORT: "I'm told, with Jorge Mendes, it is a similar thing with Darwin Nunez in that he is basically trying to get him a Premier League move now from Portuguese league.

"He was linked to Manchester United earlier in the season, but I think that was agent generated and more around when they were crying out for that central midfielder. There is probably more chance that they will go for someone like Ruben Neves than him because he is a bit more proven.

"Yes, I think this could happen, 100 per cent. I would put my house on this one, absolutely."

How has Palhinha performed this season?

Palhinha was a key member of Sporting's midfield this term, with him chalking up 38 appearances and chipping in with three goals along the way.

However, his efforts were not enough to secure the Portuguese title as Sporting finished six points adrift of Porto at the top of the standings.

While that may be the case, Palhinha did not end the campaign empty-handed as he still clinched the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira and Taca da Liga trophies.

It is clear that the 12-cap Portugal international would be an asset to Lage, who was appointed as Wolves' boss last summer.