Wolves intrigued by potential transfer for star subject of failed £22m summer bid

Wolves are interested in former Manchester United target Benoit Badiashile, per a report, though a transfer would likely happen in the summer.

Badiashile has established himself as a top centre-back in Ligue 1, despite being just 20 years old. Indeed, the Frenchman missed just three league games last season, when Monaco finished third.

His top form last season led to interest from Man Utd. The Red Devils had a bid of £22million rejected for the young defender.

At that time, Badiashile had no regrets about the decision to remain at Monaco. However, the side are in a worse position this season, as they are currently in sixth place.

As such, Wolves are hopeful they may be able to prise the centre-back away from Ligue 1 side. L’Equipe claims that the West Midlanders have made contact with Monaco regarding Badiashile.

The report claims that Wolves would have to pay £25million in order to land the youngster. However, they are unlikely to make a move for him in January, but rather wait until the summer window.

The one snag in waiting until the summer could be the reported interest from Newcastle United. Should the Magpies move now, Wolves risk losing out on Badiashile.

However, if the 20-year-old remains available come the summer, Wolves may well have the pull of European football.

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Indeed, they are currently eighth in the league, and in a rich vein of form, having drawn with Chelsea and beaten Manchester United in successive games.

Therefore, a move to Wolves could be an attractive one for Badiashile, should he remain available.

Badiashile could join Kawabe at Wolves

In other news, Wolves have signed Japan international Hayao Kawabe. The Japanese joins following an impressive half-season with Grasshoppers in the Swiss Super League.

Wolves’ technical director Scott Sellars was delighted with the signing of Kawabe.

“Naturally, Hayao is a player we’ve watched a lot and he’s done really well this season,” he said.

“He’s an attacking midfield player, very energetic, very busy, and has good quality. He’s really shone at Grasshoppers this year, and he’s one of the main reasons they’re doing so well.”

Furthermore, Kawabe will likely rejoin Grasshoppers for the remainder of the season. Still, Bruno Lage will have the chance to assess him over the winter while the Swiss league is on winter break.

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