By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

20th Mar, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: Wolves fire sale on the cards - three big names could go first

Wolves fear they could be forced into a fire sale if they are relegated from the Premier League this season, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that the midfield has been identified as an area in need of a huge rebuild during the summer window.

Wolves want continuity in their squad but are aware that Portuguese trio Ruben Neves, Matheus Nunes and Joao Moutinho could move on in the off-season.

Julen Lopetegui is understood to be reluctant to lose all three stars.

Moutinho, 36, is out of contract at the end of the season and is likely to only consider staying at Molineux if they are able to preserve their Premier League status.

He only agreed a 12-month extension in July 2022 after a breakthrough in long and arduous negotiations with the club’s board.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (20 March) that Neves, 26, is ready to quit the club this summer even if the Midlands side stay up.

Meanwhile, sources told this site on Sunday (19 March) that Liverpool are favourites to sign Nunes, 24, when the transfer window opens – despite him only joining Wolves last summer (2022).

Despite sitting 13th in the Premier League, Wolves are in danger of dropping into the Championship for the first time since their promotion in the 2017-18 campaign.

The Molineux club have a lead of just four points over 18th-place West Ham and have one of the worst goal difference figures of any top-flight side.

Lopetegui kickstarted the overhaul of the Wolves midfield in January, bringing in experienced ex-Southampton ace Mario Lemina and 21-year-old Brazillian Joao Gomes.

21-year-old Boubacar Traore will also become a permanent signing in the summer after triggering a clause in his loan move from Metz this season.

In other news, pundit “sure” about Newcastle United signing “mega-money” Wolves star.