Wolves boss has say on future of captain

The 31-year-old, who was given the armband towards the end of 2024, has been a consistent first team starter since his arrival in 2020.

However, as one of the club's highest earners, the Express & Star understands the Portuguese international is likely to depart when his contract is up.

Despite that, Pereira has indicated his desire to keep hold of the defender and hopes a deal can be struck.

"I don't know if he's talking with the club or not," Pereira said when asked about Semedo's future.

"Nelson is happy, he's a very good player and I hope next season we will be together here.

"I hope that because he's a good player and we must keep our best players.

"He's very important for us, not only inside the pitch but outside the pitch.

"He's a captain and he helped me a lot with everything.

"This is important for us and he's an important player."

Wolves do have an up-and-coming replacement in Pedro Lima, who Wolves signed in the summer for £8.4million after hijacking the deal from Chelsea.

The 18-year-old has played four times this season and just once in the Premier League, as Wolves give him time to adjust to his surroundings.

But Pereira believes Lima is the future of Wolves and the player has the quality to impact the first team.

"Pedro is a young player with talent," he said.

"He should have time to adapt to this league, but he has talent.

"He doesn't have the leadership of Nelson because that's impossible, but he's a player that we're working to increase his level and tactical level, because he has the technical level and physicality.

"He's a player that I like, but Nelson's experience is different.

"It means we must look to the future, but the future is today."