Julen Lopetegui is intent on bringing in a new centre-back who can be a ‘dominant and vocal presence’ at the back for Wolves.
Wanderers will be back action on Tuesday as they take on Gillingham in the Carabao Cup.
The first-team recently got back from Marbella, where they played two friendly matches against Empoli and Cadiz.
Wolves scored six goals across the two matches, but also conceded five.
That will be a concern for Lopetegui, with the new manager keen to tighten things up.
According to Johnny Phillips in the Express & Star, Lopetegui wants to bring in a new centre-back next month, and wants that individual to be a dominant and vocal presence at the back in order to ‘help take the pressure off Nathan Collins and Max Kilman’.
In the summer, Wolves offloaded three senior centre-backs in Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly.
All three fall into the category of ‘dominant’ and ‘vocal’, and many have suggested Wanderers are suffering as a result of losing the trio and their characters.
In recent weeks, Wolves have been linked with moves for several centre-backs.
Nacho Fernandez is thought to be of interest. The Real Madrid defender has worn the captain’s armband many times throughout his career.
And there is also interest in Atletico Madrid defender Felipe. The 33-year-old is known for being an aggressive warrior-type.
Julen Lopetegui is exactly right to be looking for such qualities in January
This is exactly the kind of profile of defender Wolves need.
Collins and Kilman are brilliant players and both have big potential and can be a fantastic centre-back partnership for Wolves.
But at this stage in their careers, you get the feeling that neither is a true leader yet.
Kilman’s only been a regular for Wolves since the start of last season, and Collins is still only 21.
Both will eventually become dominant leaders, but right now Wolves ought to be bringing in someone who is ready-made.
Fernandez from Real Madrid would be an excellent addition. Hopefully, Lopetegui will make a beeling for the 32-year-old.