This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, via Sport Witness, Wolverhampton Wanderers face stiff competition from both Manchester clubs over the signing of Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias this January.

What's the word?

Wolves' interest in the rising star has been well documented since the summer as The Athletic's club correspondent Tim Spiers first revealed the links back in July.

But by August's transfer deadline, any deal was reportedly 'off' the table according to the Express & Star.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

However, it does now appear that the west Midlands club may chance their arm in January, but they'll have to battle two Premier League heavyweights in Manchester City and Manchester United.

O Jogo claim that the 22-year-old has a release clause of €66m (£56.5m), so any club wanting to sign the promising Portuguese starlet is going to have to splash the cash.

Last piece of the defensive puzzle

Dias was once described as 'one of the best in the world for his role' by Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira in an interview with Tuttosport via Football Italia.

This only goes to show just how big a coup this would be for Wolves.

It could also allow manager Nuno Santo to complete his Premier League defence as when Willy Boly is fit, a back three containing these two and captain Conor Coady has to be in the elite conversation.

In the short term, it is a position that vitally needs strength as the 28-year-old faces a substantial amount of time out through injury.

Dias has made 17 appearances in all competitions this season, recording eight clean sheets in the Primeira Liga, per Transfermarkt.

Wolves' quest to sign the Portugal international may be aided by Benfica's likely exit from the Champions League too, they currently sit bottom of Group G, which would mean they won't even drop into the Europa League's knockout stages.

Nuno's side have one foot in the next round as they hold a five-point cushion over third place in their group.