Benfica have set their sights on talented Wolves left-back Ruben Vinagre, according to reports.
The 22-year-old joined Portuguese side Famalicao on loan in January to get first team experience.
He’s since made 14 appearances in the league and is impressing scouts in his home country.
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According to Football Insider, Benfica are hoping to sign Vinagre permanently once his loan deal with Famalicao ends.
They’ve ‘set their sights’ on the player, who can also operate in a more attacking left wing-back role.
The report states that Wolves are aware of Benfica’s interest in Vinagre, but their transfer stance is not revealed.
Vinagre started the campaign in the West Midlands and made two Premier League appearances, against Manchester City and West Ham respectively.
He was then shipped out to Olympiacos on loan where he failed to make an impact.
Vinagre’s fortunes have turned around in Portugal as he is now a vital part of Famalicao’s first team.
Wolves may be tempted into selling the Portuguese U21 international if they sign Rayan Ait-Nouri permanently.
The Frenchman plays in the same position as Vinagre and has been impressive during his loan spell from Angers.
Nuno Espirito Santo has the option to make his deal permanent for a small fee, which would allow Vinagre to leave.
Vinagre started his career in Sporting Lisbon’s famed academy. He joined Monaco’s youth setup in July 2017 before signing for Wolves a year later.
His best season in a Wolves shirt came in 2018/19, when he made 17 Premier League appearances.
Despite mainly being used as a substitute, he impressed Liverpool scouts enough for Jurgen Klopp to consider a deal.
Liverpool eventually ruled themselves out of a transfer by signing Kostas Tsimikas at left-back.
Vinagre could be tempted by a switch to Benfica. It would give him a chance to step up in his career and challenge for Liga NOS titles.
Benfica also regularly compete in European competition. Last season, they reached the Europa League round of 32 after finishing third in their Champions League group.
In 2016/17, they reached the Champions League round of 16 by finishing second in Group B, behind Napoli.
They were knocked out by German side Borussia Dortmund.
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