Wolves midfielder Mario Lemina has been the subject of transfer speculation at the start of the January transfer window.
The 31-year-old has endured a difficult beginning to his Wolves campaign. Lemina was stripped of his captaincy following their defeat to West Ham in December with Nelson Semedo replacing him.
Since the appointment of Vitor Pereira, the Gabon international also hasn’t had an opportunity to make amends for his below-par performances.
Lemina has been omitted from the squad due to injury and with his contract expiring in 2025, the all-action midfielder has been the subject of speculation.
Pereira’s former club Al Shabab reportedly want Lemina, and they aren’t the only team vying for his signature this month.
An unnamed European club want to sign Mario Lemina
It isn’t just the Saudi Pro League side who want the Wolves star as according to French outlet L’Equipe, an unnamed European club have registered an interest in the Gabon international.
The former captain at Molineux is used to speculation surrounding his name as during the summer, Galatasaray were ready to make an offer for Lemina.
Interest from abroad then died down once Gary O’Neil named him as captain however, now could be the perfect time for Wolves to cash in.
With the midfielder’s £45,000-per-week contract expiring in June, Pereira could recoup some of the £10m they paid for him just two years ago.
Also, the former Juventus man could struggle to make the starting lineup once fully fit as Joao Gomes and Andre have formed an excellent double pivot while Tommy Doyle has impressed from the bench.
That being said, it will be interesting to what sort of stance Pereira takes if an offer gets placed along with how Lemina feels about an exit.
Wolves must replace Lemina if they sell him
Pereira is prioritising the signing of two defenders at Wolves this winter.
Wolves have already held talks with top target Kevin Danso, who also has interest from Premier League rivals Everton.
However, should they resolve their defensive problem and sell Lemina, Pereira must have a replacement lined up for the Gabon star and it appears names are being targeted.
Wolves have entered the race to sign Sean Longstaff, the Newcastle midfield dynamo who has dropped down the pecking order under Eddie Howe.
And successfully selling Lemina this winter will leave Wolves with just Andre, Gomes, Doyle and Boubacar Traore as midfield options, emphasising the need to add at least one new player to the middle of the park.