Wolverhampton Wanderers have allegedly identified Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso as a January transfer target.
The West Midlands outfit are eager to add a new central midfielder to their ranks before the February 3 deadline, Manu Silva having previously been in line to move to Molineux.
However, the Vitoria de Guimaraes player instead decided to sign for Benfica, leaving Wolves to re-enter the market for a fresh face for the engine room.
With Mario Lemina pushing for a transfer elsewhere, it feels imperative that Wolves make a statement addition in that area as they bid to move away from the Premier League relegation zone.
According to Relevo, Wolves have turned their attention to trying to get a deal over the line for Cardoso.
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Wolves to trump Spurs?
When Tottenham Hotspur allowed Giovani Lo Celso to sign for Betis in the summer, they negotiated a buy option for Cardoso, believed to be €25m (£21.1m).
As it stands, the North Londoners are yet to show any interest in taking advantage of that clause in January, seemingly giving Wolves a chance to win the race for the 23-year-old's signature.
Since moving from Internacional to Betis at the start of 2024, Cardoso has made 42 appearances for the Spanish outfit, contributing two goals and three assists.
Cardoso has been regularly used as a defensive-midfielder during his career, yet the United States international has been deployed in several positions across the pitch.
Eighteen caps have been earned for his country, two of which came at the Copa America last summer, and 13 outings have since been made in La Liga.
Although Cardoso has a contract until 2029, Betis would realistically have to consider any offer that comes close to what Spurs are able to pay for his signature.
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Will be Cardoso be tempted into transfer?
Despite the lure of the Premier League, Wolves have to be regarded as outsiders to sign Cardoso before the end of this transfer window.
As well as being at risk of relegation to the Championship, Wolves face likely competition from higher-profile clubs if it becomes apparent that Cardoso is available, as was the case with Silva.
Furthermore, Cardoso is currently part of a team that are bidding to go deep in the Conference League. Betis are also just five points adrift of sixth position in the La Liga table.
Darren Plant
