Newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen on signing Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo, who is also courted by Manchester United.
According to latest reports from Sky Sports, Wolves are in talks with Valencia regarding right-back Joao Cancelo. The highly-rated defender is represented by Jorge Mendes, who has a strong connection with the newly promoted Premier League outfit.
The Championship title winners have signed a host of top quality players in recent years, including Ivan Cavaleiro, Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves, all thanks to the Portuguese super-agent.
Currently bound to Valencia by contractual obligations till 2021, Joao Cancelo spent the last on loan at Inter Milan. The Portuguese international enjoyed a good time during his season-long loan spell with the Nerazzurri, with 26 appearances in the Serie A.
Cancelo was a key part of their defensive setup, ultimately helping them to secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Despite not being selected in the Portugal squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, Joao Cancelo has shown incredible promise in the past few years and is destined for a big money move this summer.
Following his impressive stint with Inter Milan, the 24-year-old right-back will be heading back to his parent club Valencia this summer. The Spanish giants will be delighted to have Joao Cancelo back at their disposal as they prepare for Champions League action next season.
Wolves are being heavily linked to:
?? Rui Patricio
?? Joao Cancelo
?? Goncalo Guedes
?? Andre SilvaIt’s surely only a matter of time till Cristiano decides to make the switch ?#WWFC? pic.twitter.com/2ZJsRTquRB
— Ladbrokes (@Ladbrokes) June 5, 2018
That being said, Wolves have already offered Valencia a staggering £35m bid for the Portuguese international, if recent reports are to be believed.
Despite an impressive season in the Championship last season, there’s no doubt that head coach Nuno Espirito Santo will look to bolster his side this summer in a bid to compete with England’s best teams and a move for Joao Cancelo could be a step in the right direction.
However, they could face stiff competition from Manchester United, who are also intent on signing a new right-back this summer.
Following a rather dull season, United head coach Jose Mourinho is looking to revamp his side’s defensive unit, having already identified the need of a new right-back as well as a centre back and a left back. Although Antonio Valencia has done a sensational job in the right back position, it’s probably safe to say that the Ecuadorian international is already in the final stage of his career, meaning the addition of a young and talented right-back is necessary for the Red Devils at the moment.
Diogo Dalot has arrived at the club but is likely to be a backup option for now as the youngster is groomed into a superstar at Manchester United. Jose Mourinho could also use the 19-year-old as a left-back, with the player being often deployed on the left at FC Porto, thus accentuating the need to add another right-back to the squad.
Even though a newly promoted Premier League club could scarcely provide any significant competition to a club as big as Manchester United, it’s probably fair to point out that Wolves have shown incredible ambition in recent years. Therefore, it would be interesting to observe as to how the transfer saga of Valencia’s Joao Cancelo takes shape this summer.
