Wolves in formal talks over £21m Spurs target who's like 'prime Matic'

Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers have both been linked with Joao Palhinha in recent months.

Jornal de Noticias, via Sport Witness, claimed at the start of May that Spurs were plotting an end-of-month bid.

The outlet claimed that Tottenham boss Antonio Conte wants to reinforce the Spurs midfield this summer.

Palhinha is apparently the ‘ideal element’ to improve that area in the Tottenham team.

However, the latest transfer speculation regarding Palhinha has largely involved Wolves.

A Bola claimed that the Molineux outfit were plotting a formal bid to sign the Sporting Lisbon star.

Now, Jornal de Noticias, via Sport Witness, Wolves have ‘formally started talks’ for the signing.

At present, the conversations are still at an ‘initial stage’, suggesting the race is still very much open.

Nonetheless, Wolves appear to have stolen a march on Palhinha instead of Tottenham.

In addition, the latest Jornal de Noticias report suggests the 26-year-old could be cheaper than previously claimed.

The player’s valuation reportedly used to be around €60m (£50.5m) in January before dropping to €40m (£33.6m).

Now, Sporting are apparently demanding between €20m (£17m) and €25m (£21m) for the transfer.

As well as Wolves and Tottenham, the likes of Manchester United, Leicester and Everton are reportedly in pursuit.

“A special player”

Admittedly, Palhinha has struggled at times this term amid injuries and loss of form.

Nonetheless, he’s a top talent who looks set for a big career move.

Palhinha has made 94 appearances for Sporting and has also won 12 caps for Portugal.

Fans have previously compared Palhinha, who stands 6ft 3in, to Nemanja Matic and Fabinho.

“The credit goes to Palhinha, who grew up this way,” Sporting boss Ruben Amorim said in 2021.

“I tell Palhinha many times that he is very good without the ball and with the ball.

“More than tactical (details), I get it into Palhinha’s head that he is a special player.”