Report: Wolves plan to sell ‘special player’ to fund signings

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Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Nuno Espirito Santo wants to raise funds for a new midfielder, which could spell the end for Ruben Vinagre at Molineux, according to The Mail.

The former Sporting Lisbon and Monaco man might be one of the most exciting young left-backs in the game but doubts are growing about where he fits in at the Europa League quarter-finalists.

The signing of veteran defender Marcal means Vinagre is at risk of falling to third in Nuno’s pecking order, behind the former Lyon stopper and ever-reliable Spain international Jonny Castro Otto – when he returns from a long-term injury, of course.

Vinagre only made six Premier League starts last season.

Then again, he shone as Wolves reached the latter stages of continental competition and, with his raw pace and swashbuckling style, the 21-year-old has proved a useful addition against deep-lying defences.

The Portuguese full-back offers far more in the final third than ‘steady Eddy’ Jonny, even if he lacks the Spaniard’s defensive awareness.

And, when you consider Nuno was singing Vinagre’s praises a matter of weeks ago, his departure would still raise a few eyebrows in the Black Country.

“I think he’s growing, it’s our third season already with Vinagre,” Nuno told WolvesBite. “He’s progressing, improving in a lot of things – tactically, technically.

“But the talent is there and that’s why Vinagre is massively important to us. He’s so versatile and can give us some different things during the game. He’s special.”

The Mail claims Porto, who recently nabbed the Primeira Liga title back from bitter rivals Benfica, are interested in Vinagre.

Then again, with Vitor Ferreira expected to become the energetic, box-to-box midfielder Nuno has been looking for, Wolves are under no immediate pressure to sell before they can buy.

After all, Ferreira is expected to join on loan initially, with Wolves retaining the option to buy the Portugal U21 international for £18 million next year.