Confirmed: Wolves miss out on transfer target as £18m deal completed

Long-term Wolverhampton Wanderers transfer target Joao Palhinha has completed a transfer to the Premier League.

Palhinha, 26, has joined newly-promoted Fulham from Primeira Liga side Sporting in a deal worth around £18million. Fulham have confirmed Palhinha has signed a five-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

“I’m very glad to be here,” said Palhinha. “It’s a big opportunity for me, for my career, to play in what is – in my opinion – the best league in the world.

“I’ve signed with a great club. The club wanted me, and I chose the club, so I promise the fans that I will do my best, and I hope we can win so many things in this season.”

Wolves have tracked Palhinha for the best part of three years and looked to be in pole position to sign him earlier this summer. Palhinha was viewed as a potential replacement for Ruben Neves.

But no offers have been forthcoming for Neves, leading Wolves to postpone their search for a replacement, and Fulham have swooped in and snared Palhinha. Palhinha will link up with Portuguese coach Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.