Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly prepared to break their transfer record to win the race for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes.
Despite allowing several players to depart Molineux on free transfers, Wolves are yet to make any summer additions as they bid to stay in the top half of the Premier League standings.
Furthermore, speculation persists regarding the future of Ruben Neves, who will likely be allowed to depart Molineux for the right price.
However, according to Record, Wolves are going all out to sign the highly-regarded Nunes, who would command a club-record fee.
On the back page of Friday's edition, it is claimed that Wolves are ready to sign the Portugal international for €45m (£38.5m) with a further €5m (£4.3m) coming in add-ons.
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That proposal is significantly more than the £35m that Wolves shelled out on Fabio Silva in 2019, and the addition would increase the chances of Neves being allowed to sign for a new club.
Reports have suggested that the West Midlands outfit would be prepared to accept in the region of £50m, although the likes of Barcelona, Arsenal and Manchester United are yet to follow up their initial interest.
Nunes has starred for Sporting during the last two campaigns, helping his club win the 2020-21 Primeira Liga title and enhancing his own reputation during the most recent season.
In total, the central midfielder has contributed seven goals and eight assists from 99 appearances for Sporting, his continued development leading to eight caps being earned with the senior national squad.
However, while Wolves supporters would be rejoicing with the signing of the 23-year-old, there may be disappointment in the chase for fellow Sporting player Joao Palhinha.
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Wolves hold a long-term interest in signing another regular with Portugal, the 26-year-old being equally instrumental during his time at Estadio Jose Alvalade.
Despite Wolves' already-strong Portuguese contingent, it is claimed by Record that Fulham have upped their efforts to sign Palhinha ahead of their new Premier League rivals.
The newly-promoted side have allegedly made a €20m (£17.1m) approach for Palhinha, who is said to be happy with the contract on offer in West London.
That development has effectively left Wolves needing to respond as soon as possible if they do not want to lose out on a player who could also deputise in their back three if required.
Darren Plant
