“Key priority now” - Journalist drops big Wolves claim involving 176-game star

Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Bruno Lage will have made tying Joao Moutinho down to a fresh contract a ‘key priority’ at Molineux, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Moutinho joined Wolves in a £5million switch from Monaco four years ago, but today could prove to be his last day on the West Midlands club’s books.

Moutinho has been Wolves’ highest-paid player on his current contract, with the deal being worth £100,000-per-week.

But that agreement officially expires today, meaning the 35-year-old may have already featured in the Black and Gold for the final time.

Wolves have suffered a setback in their hopes of keeping Moutinho at the club as, according to MailOnline, internal talks have stalled.

The report suggests the 145-cap Portugal international has a fresh 12-month deal on the table but he is exploring alternative options due to ideally seeking a proposal lasting a minimum of two years.

Uncertainty over Moutinho’s future has led to clubs being put on red alert and Jornal de Noticias, via Sport Witness, have previously claimed the central midfielder could return to his homeland after departing Molineux.

O’Rourke believes Wolves have not lost hope as they look to come to an agreement over fresh terms with Moutinho.

The journalist feels the Portuguese ace has played a key role since heading to the Premier League for the first time in his career.

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As a result, he reckons Lage – who was appointed as Wolves’ head coach last summer – has made keeping Moutinho in the West Midlands a primary aim.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think tying down someone like Moutinho, who has been a good servant to Wolves and been a quality player for them, will be