According to the Express and Star, Wolves star Joao Moutinho is now edging closer to putting pen to paper on a new deal at the Molineux.

The Lowdown: Moutinho’s contract expiration

The Portugal international first arrived in the Premier League when he joined Wanderers in a £5m move from Monaco in 2018, and has gone on to become a fan favourite at the club, making 176 appearances to date.

The 35-year-old will be out of contract this month when his current agreement expires at the end of June, but despite previous interest from AS Roma, the Midlands outfit now appear confident that the midfielder will commit his future to the club after a positive update.

The Latest: Wolves in talks over new deal

In a new article published by the Express and Star, it’s claimed that Wolves have been ‘in talks’ with Moutinho ever since the season ended, with the maestro now ‘edging closer’ to signing a new contract.

The source further states that even though there was an initial ‘sticking point’ over the length of deal during negotiations, it’s now believed that ‘both parties’ are very close to reaching an agreement.

It’s reported that Bruno Lage is ‘keen to keep’ the 145-cap international, whose representatives have ‘worked on the deal’ during the player’s time away with his country over the last two weeks.

The Verdict: European ambitions

Given the fact that Wolves are currently in talks to sign Joao Palhinha from Sporting CP, this just shows that the boss views the midfield area as a summer priority, especially if Ruben Neves leaves.

Lage clearly sees the £100k-per-week gem as an integral part of his starting XI after proving to be a regular feature for Wanderers last season, playing 46 times across all competitions, and so will want to do everything within his power to retain his services for the next campaign and beyond.

Moutinho, who was once hailed as Portugal's “player of the decade” after Cristiano Ronaldo by World Soccer Mag Portugal correspondent Tom Kundert, will undoubtedly be a big part of Wolves’ plans in 2022/23 and could play a pivotal role in trying to help his club regain that all-important place in Europe.

In other news… Wolves are reportedly in negotiations to sign an exciting new striker.