Wolves owners Fosun have taken a lot of stick this summer for a lack of ambition in the transfer market, but as the window comes to a close, it appears the infamous penny may actually have dropped.
It’s one of the busiest weeks on the footballing calendar, but that has little to do with on-pitch action.
Vitor Pereira was promised a forward and a central midfielder in the final week of the window, and progress is being made on both.
Tolu Arokodare didn’t play for Genk last night and his manager has cited an imminent move as the reason.
That would be one ticked off, making the midfield search priority number one. And a substantial bid has now been made.
Wolves table a bid worth £30m for Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has been a name on the lips of recruiters up and down the Premier League, but Wolves have made a statement of intent with an offer worth up to £30 million for the 23-year-old.
That’s according to Football League World, who reveal: “Wolves have made a £20m bid, potentially rising to £30m, for Middlesbrough’s midfield maestro Hayden Hackney.”
Middlesbrough are reluctant to let Hackney go, but this potential deal with Wolves would earn them a record-breaking fee: “This kind of offer, which FLW has been informed has blown all other offers out of the water for him, could prove very hard to turn down.”
Wolves have also looked at Ajax’s Kenneth Taylor, but there’s a reason why Hackney is the one they have made an offer for.
Hayden Hackney helps Wolves comply with Premier League’s homegrown rule
Hackney has been with Middlesbrough all through youth levels, making his first senior appearance at 18.
As such, he would be a clever signing for Wolves, who are struggling to meet homegrown requirements.
If Wolves sign Arokodare or any other player not developed domestically, they will be at their limit.
Of course, a sale would also rectify this issue, but if they can get a target they clearly regard highly, who also helps ease these pressures, it’s a win-win.