Wolves handed big boost in pursuit of pass-master as Lage set to get his way - report

Wolves have been boosted in their efforts to sign Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with Tottenham’s interest in the player cooling.

The Portuguese maestro is someone who Wanderers have seemingly been tracking for some time now, as Bruno Lage eyes up summer additions in the middle of the park.

Ruben Neves now looks extremely likely to leave Molineux, having waved goodbye to the fans last weekend, and a top player will be needed to fill the void.

Spurs have also been linked with a move for Palhinha, but the situation appears to have taken a twist.

According to O Jogo [via Sport Witness], Spurs are now focusing on other summer targets away from Palhinha, acting as an undoubted boost for Wolves.

It isn’t all good news, however, as Sporting are only likely to use €30million (£25.3m) as a ‘first bar’ in negotiations, as they look to receive far more for his signature.

This report suggests that Wolves are now the favourites to snap up Palhinha before the beginning of next season, with the 26-year-old someone who would be ideal under Lage.

He is a classy presence on the ball, enjoying 91.9% pass completion rate in the World Cup qualifiers for Portugal, and he has also chipped in with three Primeira Liga goals for Sporting this season from a mostly defensive minded midfield role.

Palhinha could help significantly fill the void left by the likely departing Neves, and given the club have been linked with him all the way since Lage’s arrival last year, it feels like the manager is finally getting his way.

In other news, a key Wolves transfer claim has emerged from abroad. Read more here.

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