Despite signing two defenders in the January transfer window, Wolves strengthening their back line remains a priority for Vitor Pereira this summer.
Wolves are ready to table an offer for Steve Kapuadi, the DR Congo international who is currently playing his football for Polish giants Legia Warsaw.
That isn’t the only centre-back on Vitor Pereira’s radar, as Wolves have also been linked with Dara O’Shea following his relegation with Ipswich Town.
Interestingly, another target on Pereira’s agenda is someone he used to work with at Corinthians and could rival Toti Gomes for a place in the starting lineup.
What Vitor Pereira has said about Wolves’ target Robert Renan
It was reported last week that Pereira has asked Wolves to sign Robert Renan, the highly-rated Brazilian centre-back who plays for Zenit St Petersburg.
Renan is a left-footed defender who spent last season on loan at Saudi Arabian side Al Shabab, notching 35 appearances and three assists.
The 21-year-old was once regarded as one of the best young talents on the planet, and during his time working with the Brazilian at Corinthians, Pereira spoke highly of him.
“His quality, for me, is that of a top team defender,” Pereira said of the youngster via Globo Esporte, after handing him his first-team bow in April 2022.
“He has a very good level. Very good with the ball, and without the ball. He’s fast, focused. He needs to improve a little in the air, and in duels on the ground against stronger players. But I have no doubt that he is a player with a bright future ahead of him.”
Renan has a £22 million release clause that is waiting to be activated, and with options light at left centre-back, the ball-playing defender is arguably someone who will fix their problems.
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Pereira wants competition for Toti Gomes
Should Wolves accelerate their interest in Renan, he would challenge Toti for a position in the starting lineup.
Toti was one of Wolves’ most ‘important’ players last term, seeing his confidence and form skyrocket under Pereira.
However, the Portuguese star had little to no competition challenging him for his spot at left centre-back and pushing him to even greater heights.
Pereira has now admitted he’s keen to sign a left-footed centre-back to act as cover for Toti or compete for his spot in the team.
“In my opinion, we need to bring another left foot, because if he’s injured, it cannot happen again, the problem on the left side,” he told the E&S.
“Because to play with the right foot on the left side is a problem. In that position, for me, it’s a problem. I prefer the left foot to compete with him for the position.”
It promises to be an exciting summer for Wolves, with left centre-back becoming one position that needs plugging.