Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Fernando Marcal is in talks with Botafogo but a Premier League departure may have to wait until the summer, as reported by Lance.
With Brazilian clubs gearing up for the beginning of a new season, Botafogo, Corinthians, Santos and co have until March 31st to strengthen their respective squads.
But, despite talks taking place with Marcal, it seems that a move to the Estadio Nilson Santos is likely to be placed on the backburner until the transfer window opens again in the summer months.
According to Lance, the experienced Wolves full-back is aware of Botafogo’s interest.
A Estrela Solitaria are already negotiating a deal. They have submitted a proposal and are holding discussions about the finances of a potential transfer.
Botafogo are prioritising a new left-back in the final few weeks of the window. They have held talks with Marcal himself in an attempt to make clear the sort of role he would have in the club’s plans.
Is Marcal leaving Wolves already?
Marcal, a £1.7 million signing from Lyon in the summer of 2020, will be a free-agent in July. Despite making 16 Premier League appearances this season, it seems unlikely that Wolves will hand the 33-year-old a new deal as things stand.
Jonny Castro Otto returned recently from a long spell on the sidelines. Rayan Ait Nouri, meanwhile, has come on leaps and bounds since Bruno Lage replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in the Molineux hotseat.
There is an understanding, however, that a deal for Marcal would be ‘difficult’ before March 31st.
Wolves, after all, have two months of the season remaining. Lage’s high-flying side are chasing a European place. And Marcal, who has started three of their last four games, still has a big part to play.
Lance believe that a summer move is more likely, when Marcal’s contract expires.
Interestingly, a move to newly-promoted Botafogo would see him reunite with one of his close friends, and former Lyon team-mate, Rafael da Silva.
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