Wolves have told Benfica that they do not intend to pay more than £26 million for Carlos Vinicius, with the Mail reporting that Ruben Vinagre may be included in what could be a player-plus-cash swap deal.
With his loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur coming to an end in June, some would assume Vinicius’s short-lived Premier League career was coming to an end.
But maybe not.
With Wolverhampton Wanderers crying out for a new number nine, the Mail reports that Benfica’s bullish Brazilian may be handed a second chance to make a name for himself in England.
There are a few obstacles that must first be overcome, however.
Wolves are unwilling to meet Benfica’s £39 million asking price, making it clear that they won’t be paying a penny more than £26 million.
Left-back Vinagre could be used as a sweetener in the deal, with Benfica keen on signing the buccaneering Portugal U20 international. Wolves, for what it’s worth, have priced Vinagre (currently out on loan at Famalicao) at around £13 million.
Vinicius has scored 10 goals in 21 matches for Tottenham and would love to stay in North London. Jose Mourinho’s struggling side will only consider a permanent deal if Benfica reduce their demands, however.
The 26-year-old, who was top-scorer in the Portuguese league last season, would surely represent an upgrade on the ill-fitting Willian Jose at Wolves. A mobile, hard-working centre-forward, Vinicius offers more of a presence in the penalty area than the often statuesque Real Sociedad loanee.
Unsurprisingly, Vinicius is also a Jorge Mendes client.
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