Wolverhampton Wanderers have got themselves in pole position in the race for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Palhinha.

Reports on Sunday indicated that Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves is likely to leave Molineux this summer.

Wolves manager Joao Moutinho is due to turn 36 years of age in September, which potentially leaves the west Midlands outfit needing to sign at least two central midfielders in the summer transfer window.

According to A Bola, the Premier League outfit remain the ‘main favourite’ to sign Palhinha, despite firm interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The report adds that the Portugal international is seemingly certain to depart Sporting Lisbon in search of a fresh challenge with the club ready to demand at least £17m.

However, it depends on whether Spurs qualify for Champions League football, but the 26-year-old midfielder would be regarded as a certain starter at Molineux should he make a move to the West Midlands.