Wolverhampton Wanderers on brink of signing Sporting Lisbon's Goncalo Inacio?

Since the end of the season, Wolves fans have had to read constant speculation regarding the potential departures of star men and accept several players leaving on free transfers.

Midfielder Ruben Neves appears likely to depart Molineux in a big-money transfer, while John Ruddy, Marcal and Romain Saiss will be taking on new challenges this summer.

However, according to The Mirror, Wolves are ready to respond with the acquisition of highly-regarded Portuguese youngster Inacio.

Last season, the centre-back made 20 appearances as Sporting won the Primeira Liga title, while 35 starts were made in the top flight and Champions League during 2021-22.

The 20-year-old recently extended his contract at Estadio Jose Alvalade until 2026, but it appears that the Leoes hierarchy are prepared to cash in on his signature.

Sporting played with a back three throughout last season, Inacio often playing on the right or left-hand side which should help him make a seamless transition into Wolves' defensive structure.

However, Bruno Lage has previously spoken about the desire to have options available which will allow him to switch to a defensive four should he deem it to be necessary.

Although he is yet to win a senior cap for his country, Inacio has represented Portugal throughout the age groups, his third cap for the Under-21s being earned against Belarus on Saturday.

If reports are to believed, Wolves will be doing more business with Sporting this summer as the Premier League outfit attempt to sign Joao Palhinha.

Although Tottenham Hotspur were at one time linked with the defensive-minded midfielder, Wolves are said to have moved to the front of the queue in recent days.

Negotiations are said to be at an advanced stage with Sporting allegedly looking to recoup a fee in the region of £25m for another of their most high-profile players.

Nevertheless, when quizzed on his future while on international duty with Portugal, the 26-year-old was quick to insist that his focus was on representing his country in the UEFA Nations League.

Palhinha is regarded as a potential replacement for Ruben Neves, with Wolves' technical director Scott Sellars hinting earlier this week that the club's most prized asset could depart the West Midlands over the coming weeks.