Paul Lambert's Wolves future hangs in the balance

It's believed the head coach has grave concerns about a repeat of last summer when owners Fosun leaned heavily on agent Jorge Mendes in signing 12 players in six weeks.

And if he doesn't get authority over who Wolves sign this summer the Scot could quit.

Reports in Portugal suggest Vitoria de Setubal boss Jose Couceiro is being lined up by Fosun should Lambert leave.

Discussions are ongoing over the transfer budget at his and Kevin Thelwell's disposal - and on the direction the Wolves hierarchy will take in terms of recruitment.

Lambert has stated his preference for players with Championship experience to complement overseas players such as Helder Costa, Ivan Cavaleiro and Romain Saiss who were brought in on the advice of Mendes last year.

And while open to using Mendes' extensive contacts list to buy the necessary quality this summer Lambert would be unwilling to manage players he hasn't had a say in signing.

Wolves spent £27million in 2016/17 but finished 15th in the Championship with the same points total as last season.

A number of last summer's permanent or temporary signings, such as Silvio, Ola John, Joao Teixeira, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Paul Gladon, barely featured.

Lambert has pointed to his two January signings - Ben Marshall and Andreas Weimann, who were both considered relative successes - as proof that he can get Wolves' recruitment right this summer.

If not, Fosun may have to appoint the fourth head coach of their 10-month ownership. Kenny Jackett was sacked last July and Walter Zenga lasted just 87 days before he was given the boot in October.