Wolves are still battling Tottenham for the potential summer signing of Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to the latest transfer update from Portugal.

The Lowdown: Palhinha a primary target?

With Ruben Neves seemingly leaving Wanderers at the end of the season - his waves to the crowd last weekend suggested as much - Bruno Lage will need to make a key midfield addition.

It looks as though Palhinha is Wolves' No.1 target in that area of the pitch, having emerged as one of the Sporting's most influential players in recent years and constantly drawing links to the Black Country.

The 26-year-old as enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga this season, also winning 1.5 aerial duels per game.

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The Latest: Offers ready

According to Jornal de Noticias [via Sport Witness], the Premier League is still the 'most attractive' proposition for Palhinha, with Wolves and Spurs leading the way in pole position.

Wanderers 'want to reinforce their midfield' and 'initial offers' are expected to be made imminently, with Sporting wanting at least €30million (£25.4m) for the Portuguese.

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The Verdict: Tough to beat Spurs

It seems clear that Wolves see Palhinha as one of their main summer transfer targets but the main thing holding back a possible deal is the presence of Spurs.

In Antonio Conte, the north Londoners have one of the world's best managers and they are also on the verge of qualifying for the Champions League - a competition that appeals greatly to most top players.

Both of those things arguably make Spurs the front-runners, although Wolves' Portuguese connection can always be helpful in these situations, with Palhinha hailed as a 'special player' by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim.

In other news, a journalist has dropped an interesting Wolves transfer claim. Read more here.