Leicester, Wolves on alert as transfer target Joao Palhinha looks certain to move on this summer

Leicester City and Wolves are on alert as Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha will reportedly move on from the side this summer.

Palhinha has been a mainstay of the Sporting side over the past couple of seasons. He played 38 games in the 2020/21 season – scoring twice – and 39 games this season, notching three goals.

The defensive-midfielder has been linked with a number of sides in recent times. Wolves and Leicester are among a few Premier League sides with reported interest.

Given his importance to Sporting – who finished in the top two in Liga NOS in the last two seasons – it is clear to see why the sides are keen.

As well as his role at club level, Palhinha has made 12 appearances for Portugal. The midfielder has notched two goals for his country, with his first coming in his third appearance.

It appears a move to one of the interested sides could soon be on the cards.

Record reports that it is ‘nearly certain’ the star will not remain with Sporting next season.

A transfer could be an easier one than first anticipated, too.

Palhinha has a release clause worth £50million in his contract with the Portuguese side, which could make a deal tough for some sides.

However, it is reported that the minimum price he will be sold for is just a fraction of that, £21.25million.

Both Leicester and Wolves could benefit from the signing of Palhinha. Both sides may be losing an important asset from their midfield this summer.

Foxes midfielder Youri Tielemans has been linked with a move to a number of sides, and Palhinha could fill the gap he may leave. Similarly, Ruben Neves may soon be on the way out of the door at Wolves.

Both sides are likely able to compete with each other financially, so there could be a battle for the