Mateus Mane at centre of England-Portugal tug-of-war after Wolves breakthrough | OneFootball

Wolves youngster Mateus Mane is emerging as the focus of a tug-of-war between England and Portugal after a breakthrough campaign.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca admires the 18-year-old and hopes to persuade him to choose Portugal, though no decision has been made as Mane focuses on his club football.

Born in Portugal, Mane moved to England in 2016, joining Rochdale before being picked up by Wolves. He has been called up by both Portugal and England at under-18 level, chose to represent the Three Lions and has eight caps since his debut.

Thrown into first-team action by Rob Edwards over the festive period, he earned plaudits as a rare bright spark in a poor season, with Wolves sliding towards relegation.

His breakthrough followed the signing of his first professional contract in the summer. Talks began before the end of the 2024/25 season when he was 17, with the deal agreed in July.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com