Report: Napoli also keen on Wolves target Palhinha

Joao Palhinha is Wolves’ top summer target, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola.

But they report that the Old Gold won’t have it all their own way in the chase for the Sporting midfielder.

Napoli are also keen to land the Portugal international this summer, who is currently away at Euro 2020.

The Italian side will play in next season’s Europa League, while Wolves of course cannot offer European football.

As we mooted earlier on this week, Wolves could have a trump card up their sleeve.

Sporting want defender Ruben Vinagre, which means A Bola report a player-plus-cash deal could be on the cards.

That would get the price down for Wolves during a summer in which they are not able to spend lavishly without offloading players.

The report claims Sporting want 30 million euros (£25.8 million) for their midfielder, but Vinagre could get that asking price down.

Of course Palhinha could decide he wants European football next season and that could be that.

But Wolves have enough weapons in their armoury to ensure it’s not a forgone conclusion.

The Portuguese connection cannot be underplayed. His international teammates may play a part there.

Jorge Mendes could also offer Wolves an advantage and help Bruno Lage land the club’s top summer target.