Wolves

Wolves

Premier League • England

Wolves fear summer fire sale with trio of big names set to be offloaded in worst-case scenario

Morgan Sanson, Aston Villa, April 2022.

Wolves fear they could be forced into a summer fire sale if they are relegated from the Premier League this season, according to reports on Monday.

The Molineux outfit currently sit 13th in the table but are only four points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham and have a much worse goal difference than many of their rivals also in the scrap to avoid the drop.

And with the possibility of dropping back into the Championship after five campaigns back in the top flight, it appears that some form of planning is already taking place.

Indeed, a report from Football Insider claims that Wolves bosses are already looking at their midfield as an area that needs a big revamp in the summer.

The report states that Wolves want continuity in their squad but are fully aware that Portuguese trio Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Joao Moutinho could all move on in the off-season.

And while Julen Lopetegui is understood to be reluctant to lose all three players, his hands could end up being tied.

Moutinho, 36, is out of contract at the end of the season and there is every likelihood that he will only extend his stay if the club maintains their Premier League status.

The experienced midfielder only agreed a 12-month extension in July 2022 after lengthy negotiations with the club’s board.

Liverpool keen on two Wolves stars

As for Neves, Football Insider has revealed that the 26-year-old Liverpool target is ready to quit the club Molineux even if Wolves manage to stay up.

Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that Anfield chief Jurgen Klopp is eyeing up a swoop for Nunes, 24, when the transfer window opens – having also chased the player last summer before Wolves eventually struck a deal.

Lopetegui has already begun freshening up the Wolves midfield after bringing in Mario Lemina and Brazillian youngster Joao Gomes.

Boubacar Traore, 21, will also become a permanent signing this summer, having triggered a clause in his loan move from French side Metz this season.

Wolves are back in action on April 1 when they head to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest.

READ MORE: Wolves use unusual swap strategy to find Ruben Neves replacement who had World Cup final impact