How much Wolves will actually have to pay for transfer target Johnny Cardoso – update from Spain emerges

Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso has emerged as a transfer target for Wolves as Vitor Pereira eyes reinforcements.

Time is ticking in the January transfer window, putting pressure on Wolves to deliver the necessary signings for Pereira.

Pereira wants at least two more signings at Wolves before the end of the month, with a centre-back and a midfielder the priority.

After Wolves missed out on primary target Manu Silva, the search for an alternative midfielder commenced and a new name is now at the top of the wish list.

• READ MORE: Manu Silva explains why he rejected Wolves in transfer U-turn to join Bruno Lage at Benfica

How much Wolves will have to pay to sign transfer target Johnny Cardoso

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Wolves are interested in Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, a defensive midfielder whose future in Spain is uncertain.

Premier League rivals Tottenham have first dibs on the 23-year-old due to the deal the Lilywhites agreed with Betis for Giovani Lo Celso.

Spurs can buy the United States international at any time for £21m however, it’s understood that other interested parties would have to pay considerably more.

That’s according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, who state that Wolves would have to pay ‘much higher’ than the £21m deal agreed with Spurs, adding that no official bid has been made. 

The Spanish publication understands that Betis have ‘no intention’ of selling Cardoso this winter however, such could change if an offer that ‘breaks the bank’ is tabled for Betis to consider.

Given that Wolves are desperately searching for a midfielder in light of Mario Lemina’s uncertain future, it’s yet to be seen just how far the Old Gold will go to recruit their top target. 

Wolves must push to sign Cardoso to meet Vitor Pereira’s demand

Wolves started the January transfer window well by recruiting Emmanuel Agbadou from Stade Reims although, the Ivorian only ticks one of Pereira’s wishes off the list.

Pereira admitted that he wants to sign two midfielders this month but, understands that the likelihood of doing so is rather slim. 

Given where the Old Gold sit in the Premier League table, those above the manager must realise the make-or-break importance that the transfer window holds.

Cardoso certainly meets what Pereira wants being a physical defensive midfielder capable of playing at the top level, with all eyes on how Wolves’ recruitment team respond.