Renato Sanches may be eyeing up a move to a bigger club than Wolves, which could scupper a switch to Molineux, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with January move

According to recent reports, Bruno Lage is keen on acquiring the signature of the Lille man who shone for Portugal at Euro 2020, averaging a 91.6% pass completion rate.

Sanches' current Lille contract expires in the summer of 2o23, so next year will likely be their final opportunity to receive a hefty fee for him.

Wolves could eye up a January move for the 24-year-old but a negative update has emerged in that respect.

The Latest: Journalist provides Sanches update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Hatfield claimed Sanches may see his future at a club with greater credentials than Wolves, putting paid to a move to Molineux:

"The issue with Sanches is you see his name linked with other clubs, and clubs who are higher up the pecking order in terms of size than Wolves. Would he see them as a more attractive option? That’s a question you’ve got to ask."

The Verdict: Talented but injury-prone

Sanches is an extremely gifted footballer - he won the 2016 European Golden Boy award, which speaks volumes - but his career has been plagued by injuries.

In fact, the 32-time capped Portugal international has never started more than 16 league games in a season at any club, highlighting his fitness issues. If he were to play just 16 times in a 38-game Premier League campaign, that amounts to only 42 per cent of the season.

For that reason, Wolves may end up seeing not signing Sanches as a blessing in disguise, spending their money on a more trustworthy midfielder who will be available for more than half the campaign.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has given an update on one Wolves target. Find out who it is here.