Wolverhampton Wanderers are still interested in Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha, but  they could find it tricky to complete a deal for him this month.

What's the story?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Peter O'Rourke said: “Palhinha has been a long-term target for Wolves, and some of the signs we're getting from Sporting Lisbon is that they would consider selling him before Monday's deadline.

"£25 million has been mentioned, I think that will put him out of Wolves’ price range right now, and I think there are other bigger clubs also looking at the Portuguese international as well.”

The midfielder is contracted to the Portuguese champions until summer 2026 and has been a regular for Sporting this season, making 26 appearances so far in all competitions.

Moreover, according to Portuguese newspaper Record (as relayed by Sport Witness), there are numerous other clubs interested in the 26-year-old, with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla all named as potential suitors.

Lage will be seething

Wolves manager Bruno Lage will likely be hoping to add to his squad before Monday's deadline as he looks to secure a top-six finish in his first season in charge at Molineux.

The Portuguese influence at the West Midlands club over recent years has been well documented, which makes the interest in Palhinha particularly understandable. However, the midfielder would prove to be a solid option and a long-term suitor to Old Gold regular Joao Moutinho, who is now 35.

With midfielders Ruben Neves and Moutinho both playing regularly and enjoying impressive campaigns thus far, it could be argued that Palhinha wouldn't instantly get in the Wolves team if he moves to the Black Country. The support he could provide over the coming seasons would be invaluable, though.

The 12-cap Portugal international is known to be defensive-minded and has even played at centre-back, making Wolves seem an even more perfect fit for him. Lage's side have the Premier League's second-best defence, having conceded just 16 goals in 21 games.

It would certainly be a blow for the Wolves manager if he is unable to bring his fellow countryman to Molineux this month. What would make it even worse is if Sporting opted to sell the midfielder to a Premier League rival - that would well and truly have Lage absolutely seething, given how good a fit Palhinha appears to be for the Old Gold.

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