Tottenham Hotspur are plotting a swoop for Mateus Mané, but have to avoid Premier League relegation themselves, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, who is eligible to represent Portugal and England, has been a rare positive at Molineux this term as Rob Edwards’ men spiral towards the Championship.
Spurs are in danger of joining them in the EFL next term, as they sit only a point above the top-flight’s bottom three following a debilitating run of defeats.
But if they do survive, the North Londoners hope to begin what is set to be a major rehabilitation exercise.
And our sources understand they will offer Mané the chance to continue competing at the highest level.
Although he has made noises about trying to keep Mané, Edwards privately concedes this is likely to be his final campaign in the Black Country as a host of big names begin to circle.
But Spurs believe the prospect of regular first team football is likely to prove attractive to the player rather than the intermittent action at either Manchester United or another of his reported suitors Liverpool.
His estimated value of around £30m, although Wolves are holding out for £20m more, also fits within the budget of Spurs' notoriously frugal board.
Rochdale To PL Riches
After being born near Setubal and enrolling on Barreirense’s youth programme, Mané then joined Rochdale after moving to England with his family.
Although he appeared once on the bench, Mané then headed to Wolves after his talent was identified by a member of their recruitment department.
Following a spell in their academy, he made his senior debut towards the end of last term and has netted twice in 19 outings during the present campaign.
Having been simultaneously called up for Portugal and England at under-18 level, Mane subsequently opted to represent the latter but has since received another approach from the Portuguese Football Federation.