Wolves plan to keep Pedro Lima amid Atletico Mineiro loan interest | OneFootball

Wolves intend to keep Pedro Lima in their Championship squad despite Brazilian loan interest in the teenage right-back.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Atletico Mineiro want the 19-year-old on a season-long loan with an option to buy. Wolves plan for him to stay at Molineux to back up and push new right-back Kieran Trippier, so approaches are likely to be rejected.

Lima has made only 16 appearances since joining from Sport Recife two years ago for about £8.5 million. He spent the first half of last season at Porto without a first-team outing.

Wolves believe he can still progress in England, and Trippier’s experience could aid his development. New boss Cesar Peixoto will assess him in pre-season as he shapes a squad capable of a swift Premier League return, with right-back not seen as a recruitment priority.

A wider rebuild is expected, including the search for a new first-choice goalkeeper, with Jose Sa and Sam Johnstone likely to leave. Trabzonspor are credited with interest in Sa, though his future is unlikely to be resolved before the World Cup.

The friendly with Real Sociedad at Walsall’s Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium has been brought forward to Saturday, July 25 at 5pm, from Tuesday, July 28. Villa were due to face Sociedad that day, but the fixtures have been switched after changes to their Asia tour schedule.

Pre-season is due to start at Maidenhead United on Wednesday, July 22 at 7.30pm, before a trip to SC Heerenveen on Saturday, August 1 at 3pm. Players not at the World Cup are scheduled to return in early July.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com