Wolves are looking set to miss out on Gabriel Slonina, with the goalkeeper now nearing a move to Chelsea.
Wanderers had reportedly been in the mix to sign the Chicago Fire goalkeeper.
There were claims that Wolves were battling some of Europe’s top clubs to sign the teenager.
At the end of last month, it had looked as though Real Madrid were in the driving seat to sign Slonina, with the Champions League winners said to be preparing a big.
But it looks as though Slonina is now bound for Chelsea.
Fabrizio Romano reported last night that Real Madrid’s bid was rejected, and that the Blues are now ‘really close’ to signing the youngster.
Talks are in progress, and it is expected a deal will be worth around £8.5 million.
That is considerably more than the £3 million reported by the Shropshire Star.
It is unclear whether Wolves saw Slonina as a potential deputy for Jose Sa, or wanted to place him in the academy to begin with.
Of course, Wanderers have decided not to hand John Ruddy a new contract at Molineux and need a replacement for the veteran.
It has been suggested that Wolves are ready to hand Matija Sarkic a chance. But the 24-year-old may wish to leave in search of regular minutes.
Wolves were always up against it to sign Gabriel Slonina, as Chelsea now close in
Wolves were always going to find it hard to sign Slonina.
Potentially there would be a quicker route to first-team football at Molineux for Slonina.
But ultimately, it’s difficult for young players to say no when huge clubs come calling.
It remains to be seen if Slonina does indeed head to Stamford Bridge, and if he turns out to be someone that got away for Wolves.