Wolverhampton Wanderers made an approach for Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho before opting to bring Willian Jose to Molineux instead, as reported by Estadio Deportivo.
With Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Romain Saiss and Leander Dendoncker all capable of playing in that defensive midfield role, perhaps Wolves came to the conclusion that a ‘number nine’ was more of a must than a new ‘number six’.
Barrel-chested Brazilian Willian Jose joined from Real Sociedad last week on a loan deal. Wolves can sign the striker permanently for a fee of £18 million, should he adapt immediately to life in the Black Country (Sun).
According to reports in Spain, Jose’s arrival brought an early end to Wolves’ interest in Carvalho.
A 64-capped Portugal international who won Euro 2016 alongside Rui Patricio and Moutinho, Carvalho was heavily linked with a move away from the Estadio Benito Villamarin throughout the winter window.
The £40,000-a-week enforcer was keen on a return to Lisbon with either Benfica or Sporting.
Wolves, meanwhile, expressed an interest of their own before deciding that they needed Jose more.
Not that Carvalho is throwing his toys out of the proverbial pram. The 6ft 2ins powerhouse always had some concerns about uprooting his young family from their Seville home, after all.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the former Sporting ace was also a target for West Brom. However, Sam Allardyce’s side turned their attention to Okay Yokuslu after being quoted £18 million.
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