Wolves in Pal battle

WOLVES face competition from CSKA Moscow for Sporting Lisbon’s holding midfielder Joao Palhinha.

The 25-year-old spent the season on loan at Braga, where he faced

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men in the Europa League.

Wolves already have a stable of Portuguese stars at Molineux – and were so impressed by Palhinha (above) they made an enquiry for him in May, with Sporting ready to do business.

But talks have stalled and CSKA have now made a move, with the Russian club willing to offer £9million.

Sporting want closer to £15m for the player who came close to joining Real Betis in January before that deal collapsed.

Palhinha also has interest from clubs in Spain and Turkey, and is expected to move this summer.

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........... 49 ................. 63

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..... 65

.......... 58 .......... 20 50.63% 62.25% 55.10% 61.90% 32.35% 45.83% 57.02% 48.35% 41.38% 55.00%

Club Vitesse Ajax Benfica PSV Valencia AZ Feyenoord Southampton...91 Everton Holland Total .......... 683 Games Win% 53.73%