Lage can replace Neves in Wolves swoop for £25m gem dubbed the "most complete ever" - opinion

Wolves are still keen on Sporting CP’s Joao Palhinha, though they will face a challenge to bring him to Molineux going by the latest reports.

Filipe Dias via Football Daily, revealed that Wolves are “interested” in Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha last summer.

And whilst they were aware of Spurs’ reported interest in the holding midfielder, they may face further difficulties in acquiring their target, with the latest reports from Portugal revealing that Manchester United have been scouting the 26-year-old.

Bruno Lage has been upfront about his star man Ruben Neves’ future at the West Midlands side, claiming that he is unsure as to where the future lies for the 25-year-old. A move for Palhinha could provide a more than viable replacement option for the Old Gold side.

With star midfielder Ruben Neves linked with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal to name a few, a move for Palhinha would surely be welcomed by Bruno Lage.

A move for the midfielder dubbed “all-round” by Squawka would be an astute deal for Wolves with the fee to prise him away from Sporting CP said to be as low as 30m euros (£25m), which in this market for that calibre of player is an absolute snip.

Despite the links to fellow Premier League outfits, Manchester United and Spurs, Wolves would surely hold an advantage given their Portuguese transfer philosophy, Portuguese manager and links with super-agent Jorge Mendes, having worked closely with his Gestifute agency over the last few years.

Whilst he has been described as one of the “most complete ever” by Copa 90, Palhinha shines brightest defensively speaking, having put himself within the 99th percentile for pressures and successful pressures, showing his best work within the midfield