The Portuguese boss has been linked with the Wolverhampton Wanderers post.
Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Paul Lambert
Paul Lambert’s future at Wolverhampton Wanderers is looking bleak, with the Express & Star reporting it’s a case of when not if the Scot leaves Molineux in the coming weeks.
Lambert is said to have enter a dispute with the Wolves board over the club’s transfer policy, in which Jorge Mendes, the Portuguese super-agent, is once again expected to be heavily involved.
Potential successors are already being speculated about in the Portuguese press, with Jose Couceiro, the current Vitoria Setubal manager, an early link.
But could Couceiro’s appointment see Wolves enter the running for Frederico Venancio, who has been linked with moves to Leeds United, Derby County and Reading this week?
Vitoria boss Jose Couceiro
Who is he?
Vitoria’s homegrown hero, Venancio progressed through the club’s ranks to captain Couceiro’s side since the age of 22. Two years on, centre-back is one of Liga NOS’ most accomplished, and drew a bid from Greek champions Olympiakos in January which he subsequently declined.
Do Wolves need another defender?
Wanderers’ problems were mostly up the other end, although with Mike Williamson out of contract and Richard Stearman’s loan coming to an end another one perhaps wouldn’t go amiss. Couceiro, like Lambert before him, may prefer those with whom he is already familiar.
What are their chances of landing him this summer?
Venancio has reportedly set his sights on a move to England, and Wolves are sure to appeal given the notable Portuguse presence at Molineux. Having said that, the 24-year-old is not currently tied to Mendes’ agency, which could scupper his chances, handing the advantage to Leeds, Derby or Reading.
Vitoria defender Frederico Venancio [left]
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