Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab has approached to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Mario Lemina on a free transfer.
Lemina, who is eager to leave Molineux, will have his request for a free transfer turned down, as Wolves are seeking a fee of approximately £5 million for the 31-year-old.
The midfielder, who lost the captaincy to Nelson Semedo last month, missed the FA Cup victory over Bristol City. However, Wolves boss Victor Pereira confirmed on Tuesday that Lemina was fit and available for the Premier League match against Newcastle.
After the 3-0 defeat at St. James’ Park, Pereira revealed that Lemina had informed him of his desire to leave the club.
“I can’t bring a player who tells me he is not in the mental condition to help the team. He wants to leave,” said Pereira, who joined Wolves from Al-Shabab in December.
“I don’t know what happened before me, but with this energy and this mentality, I don’t need him. I prefer to play with another player.
“I don’t have anything against Lemina or any issues with him.
“He said to me that he wants to leave and he communicated this decision one month ago to the club.”
Mario Lemina was appointed club captain at the beginning of the season, but was stripped of the role by former manager Gary O’Neil following an altercation with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen after their 2-1 defeat at London Stadium.
O’Neil stated at the time that Lemina would “remain part of the squad’s leadership group.”
Since Victor Pereira replaced O’Neil as manager on December 19, Lemina has played just 31 minutes.
Wolves are currently in the relegation zone, sitting 18th on goal difference after their defeat to Newcastle.