Wolves lead race to sign 'special' midfielder this summer; Molineux is 'most likely destination'

Wolves are reportedly the front-runners to sign Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha this summer, with Molineux his ‘most likely destination’.

The 27-year-old has continued to be a key figure for the Portuguese giants, scoring three goals in 17 Primeira Liga starts in the middle of the park this season.

He played a huge part in their league title charge last season, playing 32 of 34 games as he added a fifth major trophy to his collection.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Palhinha in the recent past, as Bruno Lage potentially eyes up a long-term replacement for 35-year-old Joao Moutinho.

According to A Bola [via Sport Witness], Wolves are now the most likely team to snap up Palhinha in the summer, with the report stating that they are his ‘most likely destination’.

Wanderers are thought to be ‘very attentive’ regarding a move, with the midfielder winning 12 caps for Portugal to date.

Palhinha looks tailor-made to come in this summer – not only because of his Portuguese roots but also as a replacement for Moutinho, as he has been called a ‘special’ player by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

While a little more attack-minded than the current Wolves hero – he has only actually made one appearance as a defensive midfielder this season – he possesses a similar level of quality on possession, enjoying an 86.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga in 2021/22.

At 26, Palhinha is also at an ideal age in terms of being in and around the peak years of his career and that shouldn’t change for a while yet, so it would be no surprise to see him become the next Portuguese great in the Black Country.

In other news, Wolves have been boosted in their attempts to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

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