Wolves looking at 'ideal target' with £34m release clause

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly made Braga centre-back David Carmo an "ideal target" to arrive this summer transfer window.

The 22-year-old defender has attracted interest across Europe recently after impressing in Portugal for Braga. Manchester United had emerged as a potential destination for Carmo after two rounds of talks with the Portuguese, but Erik tan Hag looks set to land Ajax's Jurrien Timber instead.

Carmo, who received his first Portugal call-up last week, is now a player who Bruno Lage is keen to bring to Molineux this summer after confirmation of Romain Saiss' departure at the end of his contract. According to O Jojo, the Premier League is emerging as a likely destination for the central defender, with Lage identifying the Braga man as the "ideal target" to improve the Wanderers' defence next season.

Carmo isn't the first defender Wolves have looked at from the Primeira Liga, after previous links with Sporting's Gonçalo Inácio. Reports indicated that they were 'closing in' on a deal for the 20-year-old, however, O Jogo have claimed the 19-time Portugal champions are demanding €45m (£38.6m) for their man.

Wolves are set to face competition from suitors elsewhere in landing Carmo. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, German side Wolfsburg have made an official proposal for the defender, with a €40m (£34.3m) release clause still valid.

Lage is yet to add to his squad from last season, but has saw Ruben Vinagre join Sporting on a permanent deal, whilst Saiss, John Ruddy and Marcal all leaving at the expiry of their contracts at the club.

However, the former Benfica boss has already outlined his vision in the transfer market, claiming to need "five or six" players using the funds raised