Renato Sanches was heavily linked with Wolves at the end of the summer transfer window.
There were also rumours under Nuno Espirito Santo.
There has been talk of a January swoop from Molineux to sign the Portuguese international midfielder from Lille.
But the Athletic’s Wolves correspondent has offered an update on the chances of that happening and it is not good news for Wolves fans.
He wrote: “As for Lille duo Sanches and Botman, who Wolves came close to signing last summer, a move for either looks unlikely.
“For starters, Lille progressed to the knockout stage of the Champions League, so will not be keen on selling their best players halfway through the season. If they are, they’ll want a premium.
“Sanches also has a host of suitors. It feels like that ship may have sailed, certainly for now.”
Arsenal and Tottenham have reportedly entered the race for Sanches ahead of the winter window.
That said, they cannot offer European football this season, so that does not give them any discernible advantage in the chase with Wolves.
It seems Wolves had a deal in the palm of their hands for Sanches – hailed as ‘amazing‘ by Carlo Ancelotti – in the summer when he was injured.
But after letting it get away, the moment may have passed, and Sanches is free to leave Lille in January if they get a suitable offer.
- 'Tremendous': Goncalo Guedes names the Wolves star who's helped him settle
- Report: Wolves tried to sign £10m player back in January, but couldn't reach agreement
- 'Difficult to imagine': Former Wolves star thinks 33-year-old won't start at West Ham
- Bruno Lage absolutely must start 26-year-old Wolves star at West Ham – opinion
- Wolves reportedly have agreement to sign 18-year-old 'gem' for £5.3m