Wolves now handed golden chance to sign "special" £33.5m ace, he's their next Neves - opinion

Wolves transfer target Joao Palhinha is reportedly at the top of the list of players that current employers Sporting Lisbon are happy to sell this summer.

That’s according to Correio da Manha, via Sport Witness, who claim that the Portuguese giants will need to raise funds by selling assets this summer.

Moreover, the report states that it ‘seems impossible’ that Sporting could now demand €40m (£33.5m) for the midfielder’s signature after a dip in form, meaning that Wolves could sign the 26-year-old for a cut-price fee.

After seeing a major downturn in his side’s form of late that could well cost Wolves a place in Europe next season, Bruno Lage will undoubtedly be keen to add high-quality recruits this summer with Palhinha certainly high up on that list.

Furthermore, it does appear as though midfielder Ruben Neves will be allowed to depart Molineux this summer after five years of loyal service if a suitable offer was to be received, with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly interested.

Therefore hiring new recruits in the middle of the park is absolutely vital, particularly if Joao Moutinho is also to seek a new challenge upon the expiry of his contract next month.

With 24 league appearances this term as well as six in the Champions League, Palhinha is a vital cog in the Sporting midfield and certainly fits the requirements of what Wolves will seek.

Labelled as “special” by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, the 26-year-old has averaged a 7.13/10 rating in the Portuguese top-flight this term, better than Moutinho’s 7.03 in the Premier League and slightly below Neves’ 7.17, certainly making him a worthy replacement if either are to depart.

Like his 35-year-old countryman, the Sporting midfielder averages an 87% passing