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Wolves are the front-runners to sign Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window, according to a new report that has emerged this week.

The Lowdown: A Champions League beast

Bruno Lage will be looking to sign a number of new faces at the end of the season, with his side’s Premier League campaign fizzling out a little, perhaps due to a lack of squad depth.

One player who has been continually linked with a move to Molineux is Palhinha, who has matured into one of Sporting’s most reliable and tenacious players in recent years.

The 26-year-old started all six of his side’s Champions League group stage matches this season, averaging an monstrous 3.7 tackles per game in the competition.

To put those incredible numbers into perspective, no Wolves player with three or more appearances is averaging more than 2.7 tackles per game in the Premier League.

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The Latest: Wolves in pole position

It looks as though Wolves’ interest in Palhinha hasn’t gone away, with A Bola [via Sport Witness] claiming that they are the ‘main favourite’ to acquire his signature this summer.

It is stated that ‘everything indicates’ that he will leave Sporting and that a move to the Premier League is on the cards. Jorge Mendes is tipped to work his magic and bring him to Wanderers instead of Tottenham.

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The Verdict: No.1 Neves replacement?

With Ruben Neves looking increasingly likely to leave Wolves in the summer, it is imperative that Lage brings in a like-for-like replacement – someone who can enjoy a similar level of influence on proceedings in the middle of the park.

Palhinha certainly looks the most likely option, in that respect, possessing his compatriot’s deep-lying ability in midfield, proving to be strong both on and off the ball.

His aforementioned tackling statistics highlight one part of his game but he has also scored three goals and enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga this season, showing that he is an all-round package.

In other news, journalist Tim Spiers has dropped a key Wolves exit claim. Read more here.

Early Sunderland team news has emerged as they prepare to face Wycombe in the League One play-off final on Saturday…

What’s the latest?

Alex Neil has confirmed that Bailey Wright and Lynden Gooch should be fine for the showpiece occasion at Wembley after picking up knocks in the semi-final tie against Sheffield Wednesday.

Aside from that, the Black Cats have no other fresh concerns to worry about heading into the game this weekend and look set to have the same squad available to them.

The 40-year-old told the club’s official website, via Sunderland Echo: “I think that we’ve come through both of those legs relatively unscathed, which is good.”We’ve got a couple of bumps and bruises, Bailey Wright got a bit of a split round his eye and I think Goochy had one on his head as well. But there’s nothing too significant, so we’re hoping that we can get the lads through this week so that they’re fine and firing and ready to go.” Supporters will be buzzing

Sunderland supporters will be buzzing by this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, there are no new injuries to contend with, which is a huge relief as it means that all of the players who contributed to the semi-final win will also be available this weekend. It is a gigantic clash at Wembley with promotion on the line, and Neil will need as many of his players fit as possible to give them the best chance of making it back to the Championship.

The Stadium of Light faithful will also be delighted to hear that Wright should be fine after sustaining a knock against the Owls. Having him in the team against Wycombe will be a big boost, as he leaves it all out on the pitch and will put his body on the line for the club.

After the second leg against Wednesday, Roker Report writer Philip West heaped praise on the 29-year-old, tweeting: “Bailey Wright, what a warrior. Bloodstained shirt, blood trickling down his face, but he was an absolute rock tonight. That’s what playing for this club is about. Heart of a lion.”

The Australian was magnificent at the back that night, winning six duel and making one clearance, block and interception (as per Sofascore). That kind of performance, perfectly summed up by West, is what Sunderland will need on Saturday to see off Wycombe.

This is why Black Cats supporters will surely be buzzing with this update from Neil and will now be hoping that Wright is named in the starting XI at Wembley.

AND in other news, Sunderland make move to land first summer signing, Neil will be buzzing…

Tottenham Hotspur could sign transfer target Pau Torres for cheaper than expected, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Villarreal centre-back has emerged as a potential option for Antonio Conte this summer, with Spurs scouts recently in attendance to watch him in action during their Champions League exit to Liverpool in midweek, as per the Daily Mail.

A recruitment source has now told Football Insider that the 25-year-old that the Yellow Submarines are expected to cash in on him as he enters the final two years of his contract.

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There’s a need to raise funds at the Estadio de la Ceramica, so Tottenham are growing confident in their chances of securing his signature.

Torres has a £55m release clause but could be sold around the £45m mark, according to the report.

Imagine him and Romero

With manager Antonio Conte deploying a three-man backline at Spurs, there is certainly a need for another out-and-out central defender as full-back Ben Davies has been the first-choice option alongside Eric Dier and Cristian Romero.

The latter, on loan from Atalanta, has been particularly impressive, so pairing him with someone like Torres could be a mouth-watering prospect heading into next season, where the Lilywhites will be expected to mount a firmer top-four challenge.

And for £10m less than his release clause, it has to be considered something of a bargain masterclass from sporting director Fabio Paratici once again, especially when you consider the teams also interested in the Spaniard.

Both Manchester City and United, as well as LaLiga champions Real Madrid have been linked with the 6 foot 3 colossus.

Torres has been an integral part of Unai Emery’s side both domestically and on the European stage, where they made the semi-finals of the Champions League this season,

As per WhoScored, he ranks inside the top six highest-rated Villarreal players for both LaLiga and the UCL. He has won an average of 1.7 headers, 0.9 tackles and 0.6 interceptions per game but it’s his passing ability that makes him shine above the rest.

The 25-year-old’s 87.7% accuracy rate from over 60 passing attempts per game is more than respectable and sees him second to only Eric Dier (88%) of Conte’s current defensive options.

It’s no wonder that Torres has been lauded as an “extraordinary talent” by his ex-coach Javi Calleja to The Athletic.

If Spurs want to elevate to the next level, then they must fork out the £45m required to land someone of the Spaniard’s calibre. He, alongside Romero and Dier could be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League next term.

AND in other news, Spurs must axe “horrendous” flop and £27m-rated “liability”, Conte would be buzzing…

Aston Villa have not exactly had the return they desired after signing Lucas Digne from Everton.

The French full-back has only managed four assists in 24 appearances for his new club, struggling to kick on after being such a creative influence for the Toffees.

At 29 years old, he could soon be phased out in favour of the youth, with Ben Chrisene patiently waiting in the wings for his chance.

The 18-year-old “prospect” – as dubbed by Steven Gerrard – is currently enjoying his first taste of senior football out on loan at Kilmarnock, following five appearances and an assist last season in the Premier League 2.

Gerrard admitted following the departure of Matt Targett that he would’ve wanted him to stay, but claims “it’s opened up the pathway for young Ben Chrisene”.

He continued by noting: “We’re really excited to try to help him become a Premier League player”.

The Villa youngster clearly is thought of very highly at the club, with the manager envisioning a pathway for him to break through. This was before the arrival of Digne, but his age suggests that he is here for instant success, whilst Chrisene can come in as his understudy.

Life in Scotland has treated the left-back well so far, as he boasts a 6.87 average SofaScore rating. He is averaging 0.7 shots per game, and 0.7 key passes per game.

With time, his offensive play will surely improve. For now, however, his 2.0 interceptions and 3.0 tackles per game are indicative of a youngster who is not wilting to the new challenges that senior football is presenting him with.

Although Cameron Archer may earn plenty of pundits coming out of the club’s academy, Chrisene has a clear pathway for entry into the first team too.

A couple of brief appearances off the bench in the Premier League this season, and last season’s loan spell at Preston North End, suggests he is the star man, but regular minutes out on loan could actually suit the defender more. He is also two years his junior, so has plenty of room left to grow.

He could end up being the standout graduate if he continues his steady development, and eventually replace the ageing Premier League stalwart at left-back.

Like any club, Celtic will have been left to rue certain transfer decisions made over the years, with one such potential Parkhead blunder having been that of former Hoops defender, Jack Hendry.

Plucked from Dundee on a £1.5m deal on deadline day back in January 2018, the centre-back went on to fail to make his mark for the Old Firm outfit, making just 27 appearances in all competitions during his time in Glasgow.

That struggle to secure a more prominent role ultimately led to a loan move to Australian outfit Melbourne City in January 2020, only for the Scotsman to suffer a serious knee injury on just his second appearance for the A-League in what was another unwanted setback in his career.

Having fallen out of favour back at his parent club under Neil Lennon, the 6-foot-5 colossus was subsequently shipped off to Belgian side KV Oostende on loan for the 2020/21 campaign, with the hope of finally beginning to rebuild his career.

The one-time Wigan Athletic man managed to do just that as he went on to enjoy a fine season during that temporary stint abroad, having been voted the best player in Belgium as a result of his stunning displays by respected outlet Sport Voetbal.

That form saw Oostende opt to activate an option to buy to sign the Glasgow-born gem for a fee of around £1.75m – albeit with Transfermarkt suggesting that the deal was at little as £990k – with the Hoops potentially taking a loss on their initial investment.

The 17-cap brute was then swiftly moved on to fellow Pro League side Club Brugge that same summer, with Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph suggesting that the fee was large as £8.6m.

Having already suffered the blow of seeing their former asset sold on for a relatively hefty price tag, those at Celtic Park then had to witness Hendry blossom during his time at the Jan Breydel Stadium.

The central defender particularly caught the eye during the club’s Champions League voyage last season, notably managing to keep a Paris Saint-Germain forward line consisting of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi at bay in a 1-1 group stage draw.

He would go on to rack up 38 appearances in all competitions for the club during the 2021/22 campaign, including 29 league outings in which he won an impressive 68% of his aerial duels and won 66% of his total ground duels – with current Celtic man Carl Starfelt only recording 66% and 51% for the same two metrics, for example, in the league last term.

Somewhat surprisingly, the Scotland international has since been moved on loan to Serie A side Cremonese after slipping down the pecking order under new boss Carl Hoefkens, although that is seemingly not a fair reflection of what was an impressive campaign last time out.

The 27-year-old – who has been lauded as a “weapon” for his attacking threat by former boss Alexander Blessin – has also been handed a more regular role under Steve Clarke at international level of late, notably scoring in a 2-2 draw with Austria back in March.

A player who could well continue to thrive in Italy this season – and for his country – it looks as if the Hoops made a major mistake in letting him depart, particularly for such a small fee.

Leeds United are interested in making a move for highly-rated Aberdeen youngster Lewis Pirie, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Pirie shines at Aberdeen

The 15-year-old attacker is making a name for himself in Scotland, producing performances beyond his years and attracting the attention of Premier League clubs.

Pirie won’t be able to sign a professional contract until he turns 16 but Aberdeen may find it difficult to keep hold of him, given his potential.

He wouldn’t be the first Dons starlet to make such a move, with Calvin Ramsay joining Liverpool this summer after a similar breakthrough.

The Latest: Leeds keen on move

Taking to Twitter, Football Insider‘s O’Rourke claims the Whites have joined Fulham in showing an interest signing Pirie, sending scouts to watch him in action for Scotland’s Under-16s this week:

“Leeds United and Fulham are closely monitoring 15-year-old Aberdeen striker Lewis Pirie after watching him in action for Scotland’s U16s on Wednesday night.”

They were thought to be ‘blown away’ by the teenage midfielder’s ability, with Aberdeen ‘bracing themselves’ for bids from English clubs.

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The Verdict: Building for the future

While Pirie clearly wouldn’t be coming in as a first-team player at Leeds to begin with, building towards the future is something that is essential at Elland Road.

Some clubs can be guilty of simply focusing on the here and now, eventually dropping off and not having a long-term plan, but this is encouraging from a Whites perspective, with Pirie potentially joining Mateo Joseph and Sonny Perkins in the youth team striker ranks.

Snapping up the Scot would feel like a statement of intent and a positive sign of where they are under Jesse Marsch, with young players seeing it as the right club to move to.