Wolves were dealt a significant transfer blow as midfield target Manu Silva has opted to join Benfica.
Wolves submitted an offer to sign Silva from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes, with Vitor Pereira keen to recruit the impressive defensive player.
As Wolves expect Mario Lemina to leave this month, the Old Gold are working hard to identify a new face to replenish the midfield.
Silva is impressing in Portugal, making him a top target for Wolves however, the Midlands side have been dealt a real hammer blow late into negotiations.
Wolves’ transfer plan after Manu Silva disaster
After reports in Portugal claimed that Silva was on his way to Wolves, the Old Gold were seemingly in the clear in delivering their second winter signing.
Instead, it became apparent that Benfica hijacked Wolves’ plan to sign Silva, matching the Midlands club’s offer and handing the player Champions League football.
Understandably, the 23-year-old was wowed by the idea of playing in the top tier of European football, moving Wolves back to square one.
While it’s a real blow for Pereira, all hope is not lost, as Express and Star outlined what the Old Gold plan to do after losing sight of Silva.
Despite missing out on their preferred midfield target, Wolves will ‘move on’ to identify other targets, with their plan to recruit and centre-back and midfielder still on track.
It’s said that Wolves are ‘still confident’ of getting deals completed in both positions, understanding the importance of the signings to steer away from the relegation zone.
January transfer window heating up at Wolves
There are two weeks to go until transfer deadline day, putting pressure on Matt Hobbs and co to get deals over the line promptly.
Wolves acted fast by welcoming Emmanuel Agbadou shortly after the window opened, with the Ivorian now settled into his role at Molineux.
There remains a need for another central defender, as there does for a new midfielder, as Lemina’s future is in doubt.
Silva would’ve sped up the process but it wasn’t meant to be, with Champions League football an offer too good to refuse.