Wolves transfer news: 'Financial power' to be used to edge European giant for 21-year-old forward

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly entered the race to sign Union SG forward Franjo Ivanovic.

With the West Midlands outfit allegedly in discussions to sell Goncalo Guedes, there is the prospect of an eighth first-team player from last season departing Molineux before the start of 2025-26.

Vitor Pereira has only added Fer Lopez and Jhon Arias to his senior ranks, as well as seemingly reintegrating previous fringe players Ki-Jana Hoever and Hugo Bueno.

As such, the Portuguese has been left frustrated with the club's activity in the transfer market, and that will only increase when there are just three pre-season friendlies before the Premier League opener against Manchester City on August 16.

However, according to Belgian journalist Sacho Tavolieri, who was commenting on X, Wolves are bidding to add another attacker to their ranks

Wolves to battle Portuguese giants for attacker

Tavolieri has claimed that Wolves could attempt to use their perceived 'financial power' to edge out Benfica in the race for Ivanovic over the coming weeks.

Benfica are currently viewed as the favourites to secure the signature of the 21-year-old, who contributed 20 goals and seven assists from 46 games in all competitions last season.

Having also netted twice in four matches for Croatia, Ivanovic is one of the top emerging players from that country, leading to Union SG placing a high price-tag on his services.

The Belgian champions are said to want €25m (£21.67m) to sell the versatile attacker before the end of this transfer window.

Ivanovic is said to have a three-year deal on the table from Benfica, who have seen the likes of Angel Di Maria and Arthur Cabral move on to pastures new.

Wolves remain as outsiders?

Much of the Wolves fanbase will find it ironic that their club are being perceived to have 'financial power' when they have struggled to get deals over the line or generally stayed inactive.

Furthermore, Wolves have been turned down on more than one occasion this summer and, internally at least, may be pessimistic of winning the race for Ivanovic.

Nevertheless, supporters could feel encouraged that they are actively looking to sign a player who can play in all attacking roles, most notably as a centre-forward and could prove competition for Jorgen Strand Larsen.

The offer of a longer contract may swing it in Wolves favour should Ivanovic not show preference to competing in the Champions League for the first time in his career.