Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks to sign Willian Jose but, as Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil told Marca, a move to Molineux is far from imminent.
As La Real took on Cordoba in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night, the build-up was understandably dominated by reports suggesting that their long-serving Brazilian was on his way out of San Sebastian.
Sky Sports, and pretty much every other respectable outlet in England and Spain, claim that Wolves are closing in on a deal that will see 29-year-old Willian Jose arrive on loan, with an option to buy.
With the former Real Madrid youngster scoring both goals against Cordoba, it seemed he had signed off in style at a club he joined five years ago after an impressive spell at Las Palmas.
But Willian Jose will not be a Wolves player today, or even tomorrow.
According to Alguacil, the old-school targetman will still be wearing blue and white stripes during Saturday’s La Liga clash with Real Betis.
“What I can tell you is what you have seen, that today he played and scored two goals. And that he will surely be with us on Saturday against Betis,” said Alguacil, who appeared to have turned an exciting Sociedad team into title contenders before a recent dip in form.
“That is what I can tell you.
“Why did (Willian Jose) not celebrate the goals (against Cordoba)? I think he has celebrated them, but out of respect for the rival, surely the way of celebrating them will have been more measured.”
This was certainly an exercise in pouring fuel on the fire from Alguacil.
Clearly, there is still work to be done before Wolves can celebrate the arrival of a prowling, penalty-box presence who should, in theory, provide the physicality and aggression that teenager Fabio Silva lacks.
Sky suggests that there is still a work permit-shaped obstacle that needs to be overcome.
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