Wolves have again been linked with Joao Palhinha, with the player looking to finish the season strongly after a loss of momentum lately.
The midfielder began the season as a nailed-on regular for Sporting CP.
But Palhinha got a red card in the game against FC Porto in February.
And he also missed a recent game with Tondela due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
He has started the last couple of league games for Sporting. But his momentum had been disrupted in the weeks before.
Palhinha is said to be hoping to recover his form in the final stretch of the season, as he hopes to draw attention ahead of the summer transfer window.
O Jogo report that both Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur are in the frame to sign the star, although ‘many clubs’ are watching.
Wolves are said to be looking at Palhinha as a possible replacement for Ruben Neves, who remains heavily linked with the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona and Arsenal.
The maestro could easily depart this summer after what would be five years at Molineux.
Supposedly, the Gesitfute agency that represents him would ‘welcome’ an approach from United.
Reports in Spain have claimed Neves would like to go to Barcelona though.
So it does seem as though Wolves could have genuine interest in Palhinha, who is valued at £25 million.
If Ruben Neves has to leave, Joao Palhinha would be a solid replacement
In an ideal world, Neves will sign a new contract at Molineux and stay at Wolves beyond the summer.
But realistically, it is going to be very hard for the club to keep him. Especially if Wanderers don’t secure European football.
He is a class act, and bids will surely be forthcoming. And Wolves will surely cash in for the right price.
It would be extremely difficult to replace a man of his quality.
Palhinha is similar to him positionally. But he is more of steely defensive midfielder rather than a deep-lying playmaker like Neves.
He couldn’t directly replace Neves, but he’d make for a solid addition nonetheless.