Crystal Palace and Wolves are both keen on signing forward Lucas Joao this summer, Football League World report.

The Lowdown: Joao profiled

Joao is 28 years of age and has been on the books at Reading since 2019. The Portugal international, primarily a centre-forward who can also play on either wing, has also played for Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers during his time in England.

He was described as ‘unplayable’ during his time at Hillsborough and will be into the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, with Palace seemingly eyeing a cut-price deal due to Reading’s financial situation.

Sources from Football League World provided an update regarding Joao on Thursday lunchtime.

They suggested that both Palace and Wolves are now keen on the player following Joao’s excellent form in recent weeks, where he has contributed to five goals in his last three Championship appearances.

The Verdict: Benteke replacement?

Reports recently have claimed that Christian Benteke is likely to leave at the end of the season, so perhaps Joao is viewed as a possible replacement for the Belgian.

He is three years Benteke’s junior and may well be available in a cut-price move, so if Palace secures their £5.8m valuation for Benteke, they could sign Joao and have funds left over.

Joao's form for Reading over the coming months could be one to keep an eye on, and if he continues to impress, it wouldn’t be a shock if links over a move to Selhurst Park gathered pace.

In other news: Journalist: Palace and Vieira leading race to sign energetic ace who 'ticks a lot of boxes'.