Wolves facing mass exodus with crucial pair nearing Molineux exits

Pedro Neto and Joao Moutinho, Wolves, February 2021

Wolves could be about to lose several key components of their squad after Nuno Espirito Santo’s departure has seemingly sparked a mass exodus.

The Portuguese boss became revered at Wolves after overseeing their transformation into a solid Premier League outfit. Following two superb years in the top flight, their third underwhelmed, and Nuno was relieved of his duties by mutual consent.

Fellow countryman Bruno Lage was installed at the helm. Though according to multiple reports, he now faces a difficult task keeping the core of his inherited side together.

Firstly, midfield linchpin Joao Moutinho is tipped to depart by HITC (citing A Bola).

The 34-year-old reportedly ‘wants to leave’ for former club FC Porto so bad that he is ‘willing to take a pay cut’ to secure his exit.

Secondly, the Sun (citing SkyItalia) reveal that goalkeeper Rui Patricio is on Jose Mourinho’s radar at Roma.

Patricio is his country’s number one between the sticks. For the most part, he has been a dependable performer at Molineux.

Nevertheless, a departure is touted with Roma said to be ‘closing in’ on the capture.

21 June Transfer Chatter - Liverpool join race for centre-half, Ancelotti wants ex-forward at Real Madrid and Paul Pogba's lucrative contract offer

21 June Transfer Chatter - Liverpool join race for centre-half, Ancelotti wants ex-forward at Real Madrid and Paul Pogba's lucrative contract offer

Liverpool are to challenge Manchester United for Argentine centre-half, Carlo Ancelotti wants to reunite with former forward at Real Madrid and Paul Pogba has a decision to make with a lucrative new Manchester United contract, all in today's transfer chatter.

The pair share the same agent in Jorge Mendes, which is speculated to be why personal terms have already been agreed before the clubs have settled on a fee.

Roma have already seen a £6.8m bid rejected, with Wolves reportedly seeking over £10m for the veteran.

The Portuguese pair could also be joined by another compatriot in walking out of Wolves.

Ruben Neves has reportedly been given the green light to leave as the club seek to generate cash to rebuild. Given Neves’ reputation and age (24), he would be a prime candidate to help the club recoup a major fee.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been credited with interest.

Wolves greenlight explosive striker move

Meanwhile, Wolves are reportedly set to offer Diego Costa a chance to return to the Premier League after his mid-season departure from Atletico Madrid.

Having made just two league starts in 2020-2021, his contract was terminated by mutual consent in January. Many clubs were immediately linked, with Ligue 1 outfit Marseille thought to be keen.

Diego.Costa_.Atletico.2021.TEAMtalk1

However, they did not pursue a deal and he has remained without a club for the past six months. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggested back in January that Costa was waiting for a call from Premier League clubs.

And UOL Esporte (via sportslens) are reporting that he will soon be granted his wish. New Wanderers boss Bruno Lage is said to have given his blessing to the move.

The one stumbling block may be his wages, with talks thought to be ongoing about his financial demands.

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