By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

23rd Mar, 2023 | 5:00pm

Sources: Wolves star Nelson Semedo to quit if they go down

Wolves defender Nelson Semedo is likely to leave the club if they are relegated to the Championship this season, sources have told Football Insider.

The 29-year-old’s deal is currently set to expire at the end of this season, but sources told this site on Tuesday (21 March) that the Midlands club will activate his two-year extension.

Wolves aim to protect Semedo’s price tag by extending his deal ahead of a potential exit in the summer window.

They will sound out interest in the Portugal international in the event of relegation, with top European sides monitoring his situation at Molineux.

Semedo has made 30 appearances as a regular starter across all competitions this season, registering two assists.

He earns a reported wage of £80,000-a-week at present – an outlay the club are unlikely to be able to afford if they drop to the Championship.

Semedo has no intention of playing in the second tier, having joined the Midlands club when they were an established force in the Premier League’s top half.

Wolves sit 13th in the Premier League but 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.

Semedo is not the only player set to leave if the Midlands club return to the Championship for the first time since the 2017-18 campaign.

Sources told Football Insider on Monday (20 March) that Wolves fear they could be forced into a fire sale if they are relegated.

The club’s midfield is an area of particular concern, with Ruben Neves and Matheus Nunes attracting interest and Joao Moutinho out of contract.

Wolves lost 4-2 against Leeds last time out and face another relegation rival in Nottingham Forest in their next outing on 1 April.

In other news, Football Insider updates with Liverpool in pole position to sign Wolves 24-year-old.