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Wolverhampton Wanderers 'hold interest in Primeira Liga full-back'

Wolves 'hold interest in Primeira Liga full-back'
© Reuters
Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly hold an interest in signing a full-back from a Primeira Liga club during the summer transfer window.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly assessing whether to make an approach for a defender who is currently plying his trade in Primeira Liga.

The West Midlands outfit are currently preparing for a summer of transition having ended the season in poor form, ultimately dropping down to 14th position in the Premier League standings.

While Gary O'Neil can claim to have enjoyed a respectful first campaign at Molineux, Wolves collected just five points from their final 10 matches.

Although Wolves are in a better position with regards to the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules in comparison to 12 months ago, it may take a major sale to provide O'Neil with the funds that he requires to make major alterations.

Earlier in the weekend, it was claimed that Matheus Cunha could be targeted by Manchester United, while wing-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is known to have admirers in the Premier League and abroad.

Rayan Ait-Nouri celebrates scoring for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Burnley on April 2, 2024.© Reuters

Wolves to target Ait-Nouri replacement?

Parting ways with Ait-Nouri would leave Wolves in desperate need of a replacement, particularly if they wish to play with wing-backs, with Hugo Bueno the only senior backup.

According to A Bola, Wolves could respond to any Ait-Nouri exit by making an approach for Famalicao's Francisco Moura.

The 24-year-old has spent his entire career in his homeland, coming through the academy system at Braga to make 50 appearances in all competitions, including 10 in the 2021-22 Europa League.

Over the past two campaigns, though, Moura has been with Famalicao, where he has contributed four goals and nine assists from his 73 appearances in all competitions.

Famalicao have just enjoyed a solid campaign in Portugal's top flight, finishing in eighth position in the standings but with the sixth-best defence, conceding 41 times from 34 games.

Moura started all but one of those games - a 1-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon in April - and completed the 90 minutes on each of his 33 league outings.

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil reacts on April 2, 2024© Reuters

Would Moura become first choice?

With Moura having not represented Portugal above Under-20 level, there would naturally be doubts over whether he would hold down a regular place in O'Neil's starting lineup.

Nevertheless, this is a player who has developed into one of the Primeira Liga's best left-backs and is now valued at €10m (£8.5m).

Famalicao may be in no rush to sell one of their most prized assets, however, with three years still remaining on his contract.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Manchester City's Bernardo Silva in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha on May 4, 2024
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