Wolves boss makes captaincy decision

The Portuguese defender is out of contract in the summer but, as revealed by the Express & Star, the club are keen to keep him and the player is open to the possibility of staying.

Semedo will be free to talk to other clubs this month and sign a pre-contract agreement elsewhere, but Pereira says he would like to keep the defender beyond this season.

"He is a good player, he's a professional and he has the skills that I like," Pereira said.

"That means if the club ask my opinion, I would stay with him."

When asked if any discussions have taken place, Pereira added: "No, because there's been a lot of things to fix and work on and it's difficult for me to think about everything.

"We will have time to discuss.

"Sometimes I need to tell Nelson to stop because he runs too much!

"We can run a lot but I prefer they run with intelligence, but he's the kind of personality we need in this team."

The 31-year-old was made captain by former head coach Gary O'Neil last month as Mario Lemina was stripped of the armband for disciplinary reasons.

Pereira previously said he would take his time to make a decision on his Wolves captain, but has now said he will not make a change this season.

"Semedo is a very good captain for us," Pereira said.

"Yes (he will stay as captain), he is working hard and giving the example.

"He's trying to help the team and he's a very good example as a captain.

"I have time and I'm finding the personalities that I want as leaders in the team."

When asked if he has any plans to change the captaincy, Pereira added: "No, we are winning!"

Matheus Cunha has worn the armband under Pereira when Semedo has been substituted, but the head coach would not be drawn on any names that could be the vice captain or make up the leadership group.

"I'm studying the personalities and I need some time for that," he said.