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FLW's Wolves fan pundit shares their thoughts on the mooted £40 million price tag on Fer Lopez's head

Wolverhampton Wanderers have maintained their unbeaten start upon their return to the Championship, having the best beginning comfortably among the newly-relegated clubs, as Cesar Peixoto targets a strong end to the summer transfer window.

It's been an impressive start to life back in the second tier for Wolves after over eight years away, as aside from a minor slip-up at home to Blackburn Rovers on the opening night, drawing 2-2, the Old Gold have responded with comfortable victories over Preston North End and Stoke City to maintain Peixoto's unbeaten start in the Black Country.

Since Peixoto arrived at Molineux from Gil Vicente, the Portuguese head coach has added Rafiki Said and Jordan James to his side's ranks, whilst John Ruddy and Joao Virginia will provide backup options in between the sticks.

Kieran Trippier and Raul Jimenez joined before Peixoto was appointed, as Wolves have done well to keep hold of the majority of their star assets so far, including Mateus Mane, Andre, and Rodrigo Gomes, though there is one player the club will do well to retain beyond the deadline more than most.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have set a £40 million price tag on Fer Lopez amid Crystal Palace and Atalanta interest

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Fer Lopez has taken the Championship by storm, as after just three games into the new campaign, the £19 million spent on the Spaniard last summer looks like a bargain.

The attacking-midfielder struggled to nail a place in the Wolves side under Rob Edwards, and would return to Celta Vigo on loan in January to earn some minutes, but has returned to the Black Country with a point to prove.

With three goals and two assists in five games across all competitions so far, Lopez has began to attract interest from elsewhere in the latter stages of the window, as according to Alan Nixon's Patreon, the Old Gold have slapped a £40 million price tag on the 22-year-old, with both Crystal Palace and Atalanta interested.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fan pundit believes the £40 million price tag on Fer Lopez's head is too small

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Football League World's Wolves fan pundit, Thomas Woodhall, has shared their thoughts on the mooted £40 million price tag on Lopez's head, and whether that valuation is a fair reflection of the Spaniard's importance to the club.

Thomas said: "I personally don't think £40 million is enough to keep a serious bidder away. I also, on the same hand, don't think Atalanta have the resources to pay that kind of money, but Palace maybe do with a few sales.

"For me, if we can get £50 million out of Palace for Strand Larsen, Fer Lopez should be £100 million for the difference in quality, and obviously, youth and things like that. But no, I'm praying Wolves aren't stupid enough to sell, I think the difference maker in automatic promotion and playoffs potentially.

"Yeah, £40 million is a number that's been swung around. I'm not convinced that Wolves have set that kind of price tag on him. I believe it should be closer to the £60 million, £70 million. I'm not saying he's worth that, just that's how much we should do to put people off, because I think he's that important to us this season.

"But I think we should keep him. I'd like to think £40 million for a Championship player, which is what he is right now. I know he's better than that, but that'd be a hell of a record for the Championship as well.

Cesar Peixoto will be more than keen to keep hold of Fer Lopez at Wolverhampton Wanderers before the deadline

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With both Crystal Palace and Atalanta lurking, Wolves will be cautiously looking over their shoulder in the final day or so in case an offer arrives for Lopez.

The Spaniard has been electric in the Championship so far, and losing him would be an almighty blow to the Old Gold's promotion hopes.

Peixoto will be well aware of his ultimate target this season, and keeping around the likes of Lopez will only help him reach his target.

Losing their star player this late on in the window would be a catastrophic turn of events for the club, who are looking to price out potential suitors with the deadline fast approaching.