Wolves remain the preferred destination of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha, despite interest from CSKA Moscow, according to reports from Portuguese outlets Record and O Jogo, via Sport Witness.
It was reported earlier this summer that Wolves are close to completing a deal for the midfielder, who has spent the last two season on loan with Sporting’s Primeira Liga rivals Braga.
However, it now seems that that may not be the case as interest in the midfielder grows from elsewhere, with the latest reports claiming that CSKA Moscow have entered the race for Palhinha.
It is thought that the Russian club have offered €10million upfront with a further €2million in addons, but that offer is said to have been rejected, keeping Wolves in pole position.
Sporting Lisbon are reportedly holding out for €15million that has been promised to them by Wolves for the 25-year-old, who himself is thought to prefer a move to England over Russia.
But with Wolves apparently yet to make a concrete offer for Palhinha, it remains to be seen just what the future holds for the midfielder, with the suggestion being that the hesitancy on Wolves’ part mean that a move to Russia with CSKA is still a possible outcome.
With the season fast approaching and little sign of any incomings at Molineux, you feel Wolves are going to have to make some sort of move in the transfer market sooner rather than later, either for Palhinha or someone else.
Indeed, if they do not start doing that, then questions from both in and out of the club are going to be asked about the intent of those in charge, and it will start to feel like Wolves are squandering an opportunity here to build on what have been a couple of excellent seasons.
