Wolves are reportedly showing interest in Spanish defender Javi Sanchez.
According to CaughtOffside yesterday, Wanderers have actually made an enquiry about the Real Valladolid centre-back.
Supposedly, that was at the request of new manager Julen Lopetegui.
Lopetegui has actually worked with Sanchez before when he was at Real Madrid.
After leaving the Bernabeu, Lopetegui spent more time managing in La Liga with Sevilla, and so has been able to continue watching Sanchez.
Sanchez has been with his current club since 2019, having spent a season on loan first, and has so far clocked up 67 appearances.
It is claimed by CaughtOffside that Sanchez has a £22 million release clause in his contract. But the report says that Valladolid could actually accept as little £13 million.
Considering he’s under contract at the club until 2026, it would be a surprise if Valladolid did let him go for anything less than £22 million.
Especially with his former club Real Madrid actually also holding a 50% sell-on clause.
Wolves being linked with a centre-back from La Liga is hardly surprising following the announcement of Lopetegui.
It would be ideal if Wanderers could add in that position, as currently there are only four centre-back options in the first-team squad in Nathan Collins, Maximilian Kilman, Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera.
Wolves should look to trust Lopetegui’s judgement on Javi Sanchez
If Lopetegui feels as though Sanchez could come in and do a good job for Wolves, then the board ought to try and make a deal happen.
The board and Bruno Lage were seemingly at odds over transfers, and that can’t be the case with Lopetegui.
If he feels there is someone worth bringing in, then he must be backed. It is important for the manager to have control, especially someone of Lopetegui’s stature.
Hopefully, funds will be made available for the new manager to work with in January.
Another centre-half coming in should really be one of the top priorities. Wolves do want to add in that position, as evidenced by the links to Jason Denayer after the transfer window had closed.