Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina has hinted that he is closing in on an exit from Molineux.
Recently-appointed head coach Vitor Pereira has publicly stated that the Gabon international will not be considered for selection until after the end of the January transfer window.
That is a consequence of Lemina having told him that he is eager to leave the club, as well as withdrawing himself from contention for a recent fixture versus Newcastle United.
Lemina was also stripped of the captaincy for an on-the-pitch fracas after a game with West Ham United in December, with the 31-year-old involved in an argument with Toti Gomes and a member of staff.
Since then, Al Shabab have made an effort to negotiate a deal with their Wolves counterparts without success, despite Wolves being in a position where Lemina can leave on a free transfer in the summer.
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New developments?
Over the past 48 hours, it has been reported that Torino have entered the race for Lemina, who has previously lived in the area during a spell with Juventus.
Lemina has now provided a brief update on his future, indicating that the wheels are in motion for him to take on a new challenge over the coming days.
As quoted by Africa Foot, Lemina said: "Everything can go very quickly in the next few days. Negotiations are continuing."
While Galatasaray - a former club of Lemina - are also said to be monitoring the situation, it is suggested that the Turkish giants are yet to show a willingness to meet Wolves' asking price, previously believed to be in the region of £5m.
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Compromises needed from Wolves?
Although Wolves are understandably looking to recoup as much as possible for Lemina, getting an unhappy player on big wages out of the club is far more important.
Pereira is known to want a new central defender and central midfielder before the February 3 deadline, ideally one player who can be used in both roles.
Goals have also started to dry up for the Portuguese's side; Jorgen Strand Larsen has scored just once since the start of December and picked up an injury against Arsenal on Saturday.
While it appears that Matheus Cunha will stay put for now, fresh faces are desperately needed with Wolves now back in the Premier League relegation zone ahead of a triple header with Aston Villa, Liverpool and Bournemouth.
Darren Plant
