Wolverhampton Wanderers 'most likely destination for Joao Palhinha'

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly emerged as the favourites to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

After helping Sporting to the Primeira Liga title last season and establishing himself at international level with Portugal, Palhinha has attracted attention from high-profile clubs during the last two transfer windows.

While Wolves have long been tipped to make an approach for the 26-year-old, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid are also said to be admirers.

However, according to A Bola, Wolves are most likely to succeed with a bid for Palhinha in the summer.

The report claims that Wolves may be able to push through a deal for €30m (£25.2m), considerably less than previous valuations of the player.

Although Palhinha could realistically join Wolves' current crop of midfielders for 2022-23, it is suggested that he may be regarded as a replacement for Ruben Neves.