Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in signing Croatian youngster Ivan Lepinjica this summer and the defensive-midfielder could form a superb partnership with Matheus Nunes in Bruno Lage's side next season.

According to a recent report by Football Insider, Wolves and Rangers are battling it out to sign the Rijeka man this summer, with the Old Gold expected to blow the Scottish giants out of the water by striking a deal for the 22-year-old.

The report claims that Lepinjica has previously been on the radar of a number of Premier League sides but they were put off by the injury issues that saw him miss much of the last two seasons.

However, the six-foot-three midfielder has previously captained Croatia U21s and was a regular at the end of last season, so seems to be over the injury issues that plagued him in previous campaigns, and he could be an excellent fit at Molineux.

Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho were Wolves' top midfield tacklers last season and with the former seemingly on his way out and the latter set to turn 36 next season, Lage definitely needs a younger, more physical option in his midfield for the future, and Lepinjica could be the ideal man.

If he were to join this summer, he could form an excellent duo with Nunes, who looks set to join the club from Sporting Lisbon, according to recent reports.

Nunes' impressive passing and dribbling skills would surely complement Lepinjica's more physical defensive style and considering they are 23 and 22 respectively, they could enjoy a successful partnership in Wolves' midfield for many years to come.

Back in 2020, Croatian journalist Ivan Žeželj revealed that Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were both interested in signing Lepinjica and praised him, saying:

"He is a very talented kid, obviously. If he was English, he would already cost £20m. This way, Rijeka is asking 'only' £5m."

Although Rijeka's asking price may have changed since then, Transfermarkt values Lepinjica at just £360k, so he could represent a bargain option for Lage this summer and would be a no-risk addition alongside Nunes.

And, in other news: Wolves now expect to seal "the best" £43m signing, he could be their own Joelinton