Wolves ‘aim to beat’ Newcastle United to defender deal as full-back contract ‘decision’ is made

Wolverhampton Wanderers are the latest club to be linked with a move for Benfica defender Alejandro Grimaldo.

The former Barcelona academy product has enjoyed a successful seven-year spell with the Portuguese giants after helping The Eagles to three league titles and wins in both the Portuguese Cup and the League Cup. Grimaldo has also been a regular in European competition after making over 60 appearances in the Champions League and Europa League since moving to the Estadio du Luz.

However, as it stands, Grimaldo seems likely to be heading elsewhere this summer when his current contract comes to an end. Attempts to extend his time in Portugal have failed to reach a successful conclusion and several clubs across Europe are said to be keen to sign the left-back on a free transfer in July.

Some of the continent’s biggest names have been suggested as possible destinations after Juventus, Real Madrid and former club Barcelona were all linked with a move. There is believed to be significant Premier League interest in Grimaldo with Newcastle United heavily linked with the defender as they look to further add to their squad.

Football Insider have now reported Wolves and Leeds United are ‘interested’ in the 27-year-old and have suggested a move to the Premier League is ‘not off the cards’.

Wolves ‘likely’ to extend defender contract

Julen Lopetegui is reportedly set to reward Nelson Semedo for his improved form by taking up a two-year option on his current contract at Molineux.

The former Barcelona defender has experienced mixed fortunes since joining Wolves in a £27.5m deal in September 2020 but the contract he signed at the time is now entering its final months. However, the Express and Star have now reported it is ‘expected’ that a two-year extension will be triggered to keep Semedo at the club until the summer of 2025.

The report states the defender has interest from Benfica but also reveals Wolves have until mid-May to make a decision over the defender’s future that could ‘maximise his value in the transfer market should he be moved on’.