Wolves have been heavily linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Matheus Nunes throughout the summer transfer window and at one point it seemed as if they were the favourites to secure his signature.

However, the latest reports are linking him with a move to Chelsea, and it seems as if a move to Molineux was never really on the cards unless the club could raise significant funds through player sales, in an update which is sure to frustrate both Bruno Lage and the Wolves faithful.

What's the word?

It was claimed last month that Wolves were in talks to sign the midfielder, with a fee of £51m mooted.

However, a report from Portuguese journalist Mario Rui Venturahave suggests that Stamford Bridge is the most likely destination for the 23-year-old, with the Blues set to table a bid similar to one previously submitted by Wolves.

This begs the question - why were Wolves unable to complete a deal for the Portugal international if they have previously been in negotiations with the Liga NOS side?

Lage's side are still yet to make a signing this summer and look very thin on the ground ahead of their season opener against Leeds United in less than a month, and Nunes could soon be another target that the Old Gold have to cross off their list.

Lage will be gutted

Birmingham Live have confirmed that Nunes is a player very highly rated by Lage, and the Portuguese manager will surely be disappointed if his side miss out on the exciting youngster after weeks of speculation.

Last season saw the midfielder contribute three goals and two assists in 33 league appearances, averaging a very impressive 7.08 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

This was a better average rating than anyone in the Wolves squad, so it is clear to see the quality that Nunes could have added at Molineux.

As a result, it seems baffling that the Wolves board have allowed Chelsea to put themselves in pole position for his signing, particularly when you consider that Pep Guardiola once dubbed him "one of the best players in the world today."

If the Sporting ace, who has previously been described as "unbelievable", signs for Chelsea and is a success, then Wolves fans and Lage will no doubt be left extremely frustrated that a deal could not be done.

And, in other news... Sky Sports journalist drops big £12m transfer claim, Wolves supporters will be gutted