The latest on the Juanlu Sanchez transfer saga as Wolves and Everton lock horns for the Sevilla defender.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez, but Premier League rivals Everton are trying to spoil the party.

Wolves have been on the hunt for a new right-sided defender throughout this transfer window as it appeared captain Nelson Semedo would be leaving the club at the end of his contract. Those fears were realised last week as Semedo finally confirmed he had decided to leave Molineux, posting an emotional farewell on social media.

Although a huge blow to lose Semedo, Wolves are eager to kick on and succeed without the Portugal international. Several potential signings have been assessed in the past few weeks - reportedly including West Ham United’s Vladimir Coufal - and now the Old Gold appear to be close to securing their Semedo replacement.

Wolves bid accepted for defender

Following several meetings with Sevilla, Wanderers are ‘very close’ to signing Juanlu as their new right-back after seeing a bid in the region of €17-18 million (£14.7-15.6m) accepted. The Old Gold are now working hard to try and close the deal before the start of the new Premier League season.

This is according to journalist Matteo Moretto, who recently appeared as a guest on DAZN. Whilst on air, Moretto revealed: “Juanlu is pretty close to the Premier League because Wolves have an agreement in principle with Sevilla for €17-18 million. Details with the player are still being worked out, but there’s optimism.

“What I can add is that negotiations with Napoli, which was the team most interested in him for weeks, are at a standstill. They won’t raise their €14 million offer. Right now, Wolves are very close to signing Juanlu.”

Still just 21 years of age, Juanlu has been gradually breaking through as a regular starter for Sevilla throughout the past two seasons. Last campaign was the 12-time Spain U21 international’s most productive to date as he racked up 1,724 minutes in La Liga across 32 appearances, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

Among right-backs in the Spanish top flight, Juanlu, who can also play as a right winger or in central midfield, ranked very highly. Per 90 minutes, the Sevilla man was in the top four per cent for successful passes (39.3), the top six per cent for duels won (66.7%) and the top 12 per cent for chances created (2.75).

Everton attempting Wolves transfer hijack

It may not be straightforward for Wolves to seal Juanlu’s services, however, as fellow Premier League side Everton appear to have entered the fray. The Toffees are also eager to sign a new right-back and have identified Juanlu as a target.

TBR Football reports Everton are ‘pushing’ and ‘working hard’ to sign Juanlu ahead of Wolves. Crystal Palace are also said to have discussed a move for the defender, while Nottingham Forest hold an interest. Everton are the ones actively pursuing the deal, though, as they seek to hijack Wolves’ agreement in principle.

It awaits to be seen which club Juanlu would rather join, but the Spaniard could soon have a big decision to make, at least if the reports are to be believed. In other news, Wrexham are reportedly lining up an ambitious loan bid for an £8.5 million Wolves star.