Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to make one final effort to sign Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Portuguese outlet Correio de Manha, who claim that the two clubs were set to enter talks over the player following their friendly match on Saturday.

Wolves had tabled a proposal of €45m plus add-ons, however, the midfielder was still holding out for a team in the Champions League.

Several Premier League clubs have shown an interest in the Portuguese ace over the summer, but with a reported price tag of £51m, most are unwilling to move for the maestro.

Imagine him & Neves

Although a hefty price has been touted, this long-term target of Wolves could be the perfect fit for Bruno Lage’s side.

Their midfield is already stacked with pass-masters, and to add the youthful flair of this Portuguese international with the calm and coolness of Ruben Neves, the two could hold down the midfield for many years to come.

Last season he featured one league game in the 2022/23 campaign.

Consistency in midfield is imperative, and this reliability alongside Neves, who also featured 33 times last season for Wolves, is important to provide a foundation for the rest of the squad to build on during the season.

Across Nunes’ many league appearances, he averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.95, further cementing him as a fine performer across a league campaign.

Not only would he be a smart signing for the club, but if Wolves could capture the 23-year-old, it would be a huge statement of intent given the other clubs reportedly interested.

Zack Lowy was full of praise for the midfielder, noting of a “fantastic pass” to record another assist, which contributed to what he thought was a “solid game”. This is compounded in James Marshment’s claim that he is a “star”.

Nunes and Neves, if the partnership was to be formed, have all the potential to one day be one of the best midfield duos in the Premier League as a whole.

They could dominate midfield for years to come and offer the foundation for Wolves to start challenging further up the table.

AND in other news: Lage could unearth the next Haaland as Wolves plot bid for “generational” £55m talent.