Wolves steal march on Manchester United for midfielder

Wolves have emerged as a possible destination for Mario Lemina, reports Sky Sports. 

The Gabon international is free to leave Southampton having fallen out of favour under Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl. 

Manchester United had been credited with an interest in Lemina, who made 18 Premier League starts last season, and has been made available for transfer by Hasenhuttl. 

United’s interest in the 25-year-old has cooled in recent weeks, however, which has seen Wolves emerge as favourites to land the midfielder. 

Nuno Espirito Santo is looking to add another central midfielder to his squad before the start of the season and had been linked with a move for Lille youngster Boubakary Soumare. 

However, Lille value the 20-year-old at £40m and that has seen Wolves turn their attention to Lemina, who is available for significantly less. 

Wolves wouldn’t have a straight shot at Lemina, who has his Premier League admirers, while teams from Italy and Spain are keeping tabs on the out of favour Saints man. 

Southampton won only one of the 18 Premier League matches that Lemina started last season compared to eight of the 20 he didn’t.