Shropshire Star

Wolves likely to take up Raul Jimenez option

Wolves look set to take up their option on buying Raul Jimenez, with a final decision to be made before the end of the season, the Express & Star understands.

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Mexican international Jimenez has starred for Nuno Espirito Santo's team this season, netting 14 goals in all competitions.

Wolves have an option to buy the 27-year-old for a fee of around £30million at the end of Jimenez's season-long loan deal from Benfica.

It's an exclusive option and the ball is in Wolves' court as to whether to make the move a permanent one. A contract and wage structure has already been agreed between the parties.

The player has settled quickly in England and expressed his desire to stay – and Wolves are set to make his wish come true with a big-money permanent deal.

Jimenez has deeply impressed this season, surpassing all expectations especially since the turn of the year when he's scored eight in 13 games.

He has netted 12 in the league, putting him level with Steven Fletcher for the most Premier League goals scored in a season by a Wolves player.

Jimenez said recently: "I'm enjoying it. I love being here, we are making very good things — quarter-finals of the FA Cup and in seventh position, it's very good for us.

"I was dreaming about coming to the Premier League, but I wasn’t sure when I could get there.

"It’s all about hard work, always doing your best, and that’s what we all do here at Wolverhampton."

Wolves are already working hard on their summer recruitment strategy and it's believed they will again favour a 'quality over quantity' approach with next season's squad.

Nuno favours a tight-knit group supplement by youngsters from the under-23 squad, who have impressed in taking their youth side to the top of the league this season.

If Wolves qualify for the Europa League there is a strong desire to avoid burnout and not repeat the struggles seen with Burnley this season, but even in that event club bosses will still favour a smaller squad.

However contrary to reports there is no truth in the club chasing £100m-rated Portuguese wonderkid Joao Felix from Benfica.