Newcastle United may have real hope of securing the signing of Sporting star Joao Palhinha amid claims he doesn’t fancy a move to Wolves.
That’s according to The Mirror, who claim that Palhinha ‘does not fancy a move to Molineux’ this summer despite Wolves having a long-standing interest.
The report notes that Manchester United have watched Palhinha at least eight times this season ahead of potentially making a move.
Yet it’s added that United have to commit to buying Palhinha by the first week of June or Sporting will offer him elsewhere.
That’s where Newcastle could come in given their interest in signing Palhinha of late.
Newcastle were keen on Palhinha in January but allegedly backed away when Sporting demanded £29million.
Reports from Portugal last week suggested that Newcastle still want to sign Palhinha and could be his destination this summer.
Newcastle splashed the cash on one midfielder in January by landing Bruno Guimaraes but they may well fancy another expensive addition this summer.
Palhinha would fit that category. The 26-year-old won the Portuguese title last season but still has fewer 100 league appearances for Sporting.
Much of his time was spent out on loan at other Portuguese sides, meaning it took Palhinha a while to break into the Sporting side.
Now a regular under Ruben Amorim, the 6ft 3in powerhouse is a true midfielder anchor man who protects his back four.
Wolves need to start thinking about life after Joao Moutinho, and may have seen Palhinha as the man for the job.
With so many Portuguese players already at Molineux, Wolves may have hoped that Palhinha would be tempted.
Instead, Palhinha seemingly has other ideas. Manchester United appear to be a strong contender, but given Newcastle’s riches, you just can’t rule them out.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
