Braga identify possible replacements for Paulinho

After the season Paulinho had for SC Braga, interest in his services is to be expected.

And Braga remain hopeful of receiving close to his 30 million euro release clause this summer should he depart.

With Lazio considering a move for the Portuguese striker this window according to Sky Italia, and with Wolves having shown significant intent on signing the 27-year old, even willing to match his release clause according to the likes of A Bola and RTP, there is a sense of that an exit could well be on the cards for Paulinho.

At the same time, Braga are not being moved from their stance; Paulinho is not for negotiation. They want 30 million euros for the forward, or as close to that fee as possible, or he will not be leaving.

Nevertheless, with mounting interest in the former U21 international, Braga are assessing who they could choose to bring in to replace their main forward in case he does depart, and two options currently appear to be leading the way.

The first is the in-demand Mehdi Taremi, whose 18 goals this season for Rio Ave ensured that he finished as joint top scorer in the Primeira Liga.

An instrumental figure in leading Rio Ave to a 5th place finish and a Europa League berth, Taremi is in considerable demand, with the Big Three in Portugal amongst the list of clubs contemplating a move for the Iranian.

New Braga boss Carlos Carvalhal may feel he has an advantage over the others in signing the striker though, having managed him during his time at Rio Ave and having managed to get the best out of him.

The other main candidate to fill the void that could be left behind by Paulinho is Fabio Abreu. The Angolan international had a season to remember for Moreirense last season, scoring 13 goals in the Primeira Liga as he featured in every league game, and proved to have all the attributes of an accomplished centre forward.

He too would be available for a fee substantially lower than that which Braga are looking to receive for Paulinho.