Wolves' potential signing of Sporting CP midfielder Matheus Nunes is 'gaining more and more strength', according to a new report from Portugal.

The 23-year-old has stood out as a key man for his current side since joining from Estoril in 2019, starting six of their eight Champions League games last season.

Wolves have been strongly linked with a summer move for Nunes, eyeing him up as a potential alternative to fellow Sporting target Joao Palhinha, with reports this weekend even suggesting Fosun are ready to press ahead with a big bid.

Another update now suggests that Wanderers are making even more positive progress regarding the move.

The Latest: Wolves now in pole position

According to Record [via Sport Witness], the transfer is 'gaining more and more strength', with Wolves ahead of Newcastle United and Everton in the race to sign him.

Wanderers want to offer Nunes a five-year deal and are looking for his representatives to agree to the deal. Jorge Mendes is believed to be key to the discussions, as is often the case.

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The Verdict: No.1 target?

It looks increasingly likely that Nunes has overtaken Palhinha as Wolves' primary summer transfer target, in what could be an excellent piece of business.

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The Sporting man has eight caps to his name for Portugal and will hope to start at the World Cup this winter, while an average of two tackles per game in last season's Champions League outline his tenacity off the ball.

Nunes, dubbed 'superb' and a 'star' by talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be a perfect replacement for the outgoing Ruben Neves.

In other news, one Wolves player is close to signing a new deal. Find out who it is here.