The search has now begun for Wolves to find a replacement for Rayan Ait-Nouri following his transfer to Manchester City.
Ait-Nouri was the Premier League’s most prolific defender in attack last term, amassing 11 goal involvements across the campaign, predominantly playing as a wing-back.
It will therefore take something special to replace the Algerian’s output, with Wolves since trying to sign Barcelona’s Gerard Martin.
With Martin boasting an asking price of around £10 million, the 23-year-old could be the ideal successor to Ait-Nouri, though Bournemouth are also tracking Martin.
Molineux News also understands that Hugo Bueno is seen as a potential replacement for Ait-Nouri this summer after his excellent campaign for Feyenoord. But, for all of his talent, it’s someone else who has caught the eye of Wolves fans.
- READ MORE: How Rayan Ait-Nouri fared on his first match for Algeria after leaving Wolves for Man City
Wolves fans want El Hadji Malick Diouf to replace Rayan Ait-Nouri
On Tuesday night, Senegal secured a famous 3-1 victory over England at the City Ground, which handed Thomas Tuchel his first defeat as the Three Lions boss.
England produced a dire performance and were ultimately outclassed by Senegal’s Premier League attacking trio of Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr and Nicolas Jackson.
But it wasn’t just that trio who impressed, as Wolves fans were quick to praise the performance of Slavia Prague left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, seeing the 20-year-old as a perfect successor to Ait-Nouri.
“We should really look into signing Malick Diouf. Looks class against England and has an exceptional cross on him,” one fan wrote.
“I’m begging for El Hadji Diouf as a RAN replacement. U21 so he won’t even need to be registered,” someone else commented.
“El Hadji Malick Diouf would be a great acquisition time to get ya wallets out,” a third replied.
“Wouldn’t mind us looking at El Diouf,” another said while a sixth stated: “El Hadji Malick Diouf looks alright doesn’t he, have a look @Wolves.”
Diouf’s stats vs England
Diouf could be an incredible option for Wolves. In the absence of Ait-Nouri, Vitor Pereira needs to sign someone with electric pace, power and attacking intent, with the Senegalese international possessing all those attributes in abundance.
For Slavia Prague last term, the youngster grabbed 11 goal involvements from wing-back, including seven goals in the league.
The 2004-born star showcased his goalscoring prowess down the wing for his club and was a constant menace against England.
El Hadji Malick Diouf’s stats vs England
- 90 minutes played
- 2 clearances
- 2 interceptions
- 2 tackles
- 3 ground duels won
- 3/3 accurate long balls
- 17/19 (89%) accurate passes
- 3 key passes
Wolves fans were excited by watching Diouf shine for Senegal and he certainly put in a worthy audition for Premier League clubs watching him.