Wolves target with better passing and tackling numbers than Neves now set to move this summer

Wolves have been boosted in their efforts to sign Joao Palhinha this summer, with the Sporting CP midfielder increasingly likely to leave the club.

It feels as though barely a day goes by without the Wanderers being linked with a move for the 26-year-old, as they eye up possible Ruben Neves replacements.

The Wolves fan favourite looks nailed on to leave Molineux summer, leaving a gaping void in the middle of the park, and it appears as though Palhinha is viewed as the man to fill it.

It certainly seems likely that the Sporting man will have plenty of suitors this summer, and now a fresh report from his homeland has offered a boost to any and all interest parties…

According to O Jogo [via Sport Witness], Palhinha will definitely move on and ‘change air’ this summer, with an ‘intense’ battle for his signature ongoing.

It is claimed there is ‘hardly’ a chance he stays at Sporting for another season, although he is focusing on international duty with Portugal for the time being.

In terms of a Neves replacement, Palhinha ticks so many boxes, so he really should be seen as Wolves’ number one transfer target.

Similarly strong on the ball, he enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga in 2021/22, also averaging three tackles per game in the competition – that’s actually better passing and tackling than Neves managed this term.

That highlights how impressive his all-round game is and he has the potential to be a great signing if Wolves get it done, having been described as ‘special’ by manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in the race to sign a striker. Find out who it is here.

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