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Wolves are poised to see a trusted lieutenant depart, though have wasted little time in finding a replacement with a medical already looming, per reports.

Wolves are set to embark on their first season without Nuno Espirito Santo at the helm since 2017. The Portuguese left the club by mutual consent after last season concluded. His replacement was Bruno Lage. But by all accounts, the ex-Benfica boss is facing an uphill struggle to retain the core components of the squad he inherited.

A large portion of Wolves’ key playing personnel are Portuguese. The club have worked wonders in the transfer market trough their relationship with agent Jorge Mendes.

Goalkeeper Rui Patricio is one Portugal international who is represented by the agent’s company. Since arriving at Molineux in 2018, he has largely been a dependable performer.

However, his time in England could soon be coming to an end.

Reports last week indicated the 33-year-old was a key target for Jose Mourinho’s Roma. Sky Sports have taken it a step further, noting the Italian outfit are ‘nearing an agreement’.

Progress on the front is expected to be made quickly now Portugal have been eliminated from Euro 2020 where Patricio was playing.

Wolves’ determination to hold out over their £13m valuation appears to have paid off. Per the article, Roma are said to be nearing the mark.

With that deal in the advanced stages, Wolves have wasted little time lining up an ideal replacement. And unsurprisingly, he’s also Portuguese.

Per the Express, Wolves have ‘agreed a deal in principle’ with Olympiacos to sign stopper Jose Sa.

The 28-year-old is expected to arrive for a fee of around £9m. Furthermore, he is described as awaiting the greenlight to fly to England before undergoing his medical.

Wolves suffer setback after player preference revealed

Meanwhile, the latest reports indicate Wolves will not be able to sign Dani Ceballos this summer because the midfielder is not keen on a return to the Premier League.

Ceballos has returned to Real Madrid after two seasons on-loan with Arsenal. He was a relatively regular starter for the Gunners when fit and made 77 appearances in total. However, he failed to make much of an impression during his time in north London, especially on one Arsenal legend.

Now the 24-year-old finds himself at a crossroads in his career. His parent club are looking to find a new suitor for him for next season. That’s according to ABC, who reported on Thursday that Real have put him up for sale with a price tag of €30m.

One of the teams that were claimed to be in the mix for Ceballos were Wolves. These reports were reinforced in today’s edition of Sport.

However, the Spanish newspaper have said that despite having the necessary funds to complete the signing, Wolves will not be where Ceballos ends up. That’s because the Spaniard is not favouring a return to the Premier League.

READ MORE: Tottenham firming up Nuno plans as boss wants reunion with Wolves star

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