Wolverhampton Wanderers have all but finalised a £9 million deal for Rio Ave midfielder Pele according to reports.

According to today's printed A Bola (back page,) the 26-year-old is set to bid farewell to the Premeira Liga ahead of an expected transfer to Molineux, in what is expected to be a busy summer for Nuno Spirito Santo’s side.

After reportedly sending scouts to Portugal to watch Pele in action against Chaves, Wolves prepared a swoop for the defensive midfielder, according to The Mail.

It is believed that Pele would cost Wolves around £9 million, and with the Portuguese connection, should give them the advantage over Benfica in the chase for the Portugal-born Guinea-Bissau international.

Benfica, who signed Pele in 2015 and sold him to Rio Ave last summer, reportedly still own 50% of his rights, so any transfer fee paid by Wolves would have to be shared by both clubs.

Pele is a former Portugal Under-21 international, and can play anywhere in the midfield set up, having scored seven goals in all competitions this season.

The Verdict

Pele is another strong signing for Wolves, who have been linked with a number of big name players this summer already, but the Portuguese midfielder may find it hard to get a game next season.

With an already very strong core their team, Pele may have to play second fiddle is he makes the move to Molineux.