Attempting to add a defensive reinforcement to their ranks, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly “closing in” on a £26m deal to sign a new central defender for Vitor Pereira.
Wolves set premium Strand-Larsen price
It’s already been a summer of exit blows for Wolves, who lost both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to both Manchester clubs earlier this summer. Now, they reportedly face a similar battle to keep hold of Jorgen Strand Larsen. And like Cunha and Ait-Nouri, the Midlands club have reportedly set a premium price to sell their forward – reportedly setting a price tag of £60m – with Newcastle United pushing to secure his signature.
The Norwegian spent last season on loan in the Midlands before triggering a permanent deal worth £23m, but could now be on the move once again as Newcastle desperately look to end their striker search.
His departure would be an almighty blow for Pereira, who has already seen his attack blunted by the departure of Cunha earlier this summer. Losing Strand Larsen on top of that would leave Wolves scrambling for reinforcements in a race against time with the transfer window slamming shut in less than two weeks.
Of course, it’s clear to see why Newcastle have turned their focus towards Strand Larsen. The 25-year-old scored 14 goals in his debut Premier League campaign and earned the praise of Pereira, who told reporters after the forward’s brace against Southampton: “[Jorgen] Strand Larsen was fantastic, not only with his two goals but with the way he helped the team.”
Meanwhile, as Wolves scramble to keep hold of one of their key men, they may yet have some good news on the way in the form of an incoming of their own this month.
Wolves "closing in" on Krejci
As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Wolves are now “closing in” on a deal to sign Ladislav Krejci from Girona. In a transfer worth around €30m (£26m), those in the Midlands look set to get their man and welcome a much-needed defensive reinforcement for Pereira this month.
The 26-year-old is likely to come straight into the side if he arrives before the end of the month. Pereira was left with little choice but to start Matt Doherty out of position in a back three alongside Toti Gomes and Emmanuel Agbadou against Manchester City last weekend, but the arrival of Krejci would quickly put an end to that experiment.
Described as “dominant in the air” by scout Jacek Kulig, the Czech Republic international could quickly prove to be an excellent addition, should Wolves get their deal over the line.