Wolverhampton Wanderers have emerged as the favourites to secure the signature of Sporting CP’s defensive midfielder, Joao Palhinha.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Birmingham Live), who claims that Lage’s side are the “main favourite” amidst competition for the Portuguese midfielder’s signature in Tottenham Hotspur.
As per the report, it is said that Palhinha has most likely played his final game for Sporting CP, adding that “everything indicates” he will be on the move at the end of the season.
Conte’s Spurs have reportedly tracked the midfielder’s performances for several months, with Spanish La Liga sides Sevilla and Atletico Madrid also reportedly keen.
It is said that the 26-year-old will not move for less than €20m (£16.9m), though, as the report states, it is already a step back in comparison to Sporting CP’s previous price tag of €30m (£25.4m)
Should Lage sign Palhinha?
Big Boost for Lage
The latest report will come as a boost to Lage, who faces the task of a rebuild in the Black Country this summer.
Spurs’ interest will have worried the Wolves faithful, as they arguably need the 12-cap Portugal international more than Conte’s side, with Ruben Neves’ future in severe doubt, with Lage speaking upfront about the situation and stating that he does not know where the future lies for the 25-year-old.
Palhinha, who was dubbed “special” by his manager Ruben Amorim, does his best work defensively, as he is a holding midfielder by trade, but like Neves, has the ability to play as a central midfielder in a 3-4-3 system.
Palhinha’s average of 3.04 tackles per game, with an elite average of 32.42 pressures per 90 serve as evidence for the aforementioned statement and surpasses Neves’ average of 2.42 tackles and 18.75 pressures per 90.
Should Wolves lose Neves, Palhinha would step into the role seamlessly, judging by his metrics over the last year as per FBref.
In other news: Wolves set to lose £19.8m-rated talent after Neves, Lage surely fuming
