Enzo Fernandez has already told Wolves his 'dream' transfer

Enzo Fernandez says he dreams of playing in Europe - but he plans to win the Copa Libertadores with boyhood club River Plate first.

The Argentine midfielder is attracting widespread transfer interest from Europe and reports claim Wolverhampton Wanderers are hoping to strike a deal to sign the 21-year-old. Wolves, along with Benfica, AC Milan and a host of other clubs, have been impressed by Fernandez's excellent form for River Plate in the last two years.

Fernandez has scored eight goals and registered five assists in the Argentine Primera Division this calendar year, following on from two goals and three assists during River's title-winning campaign in 2021. Fernandez hasn’t yet made his senior international debut, but he was named in a squad by Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni last November.

Wolves will have to pay River €20million (£17m) to sign Fernandez, who is open to a move to the Premier League after watching teammate and friend Julian Alvarez sign for Manchester City in January. But Fernandez's desire to win the Copa Libertadores could represent an obstacle for Wolves, who would ideally like their new signings in place for pre-season.

River play the first leg of their Copa Libertadores last-16 tie with Velez Sarsfield at the end of the month, with the return fixture taking place on July 7. The Argentine club are expected to go deep into a competition they have won four times - most recently in 2018.

“Playing in Europe is a goal, but I’m not anxious to emigrate or anything," Fernandez told Ole earlier this month. “That’s what my agent is taking care of; I’m enjoying the day-to-day at River. I’m very happy; I’ve always dreamed of it.

“My dreams are to win the Libertadores with River, to play in a World Cup,