Wolves priority after defender transfer listed leaves Arsenal favourites for midfield maestro

A change in priorities for Wolves has left Arsenal favourites to sign midfield maestro Renato Sanches, reports have suggested.

Bruno Lage is a big fan of his fellow Portuguese countryman. In fact, after he took over at Molineux last summer, the Midlands club made an approach to Lille for his services. They ultimately pulled out though.

And while Lage remains keen to sign Sanches, it looks like he may have to give up the chase.

According to the Birmingham Mail, midfield improvements are a ‘long-term’ ambition. Right now, the focus is on defensive acquisitions.

Wolves surprisingly have the second best backline in the Premier League in terms of goals conceded. Only Man City have let in less than their 14.

Nevertheless, that is where the priority is for the transfer market. And that need is only growing greater, with the Daily Mail reporting Willy Boly has been transfer listed.

The 30-year-old centre-back has made just one appearance this season. That came in the Carabao Cup against Tottenham.

He has been plagued by injuries since Lage became manager. As such, he has fallen behind Conor Coady, Max Kilman and Roman Saiss in the pecking order.

With youngsters Yerson Mosquera and Dion Sanderson also in the mix, Boly could be on his way out. His contract is up in 18 month’s time.

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As Lage wants another centre-back, the funds are not there to also pursue Sanches. He is said to be working with a tight budget.

And the 24-year-old is popular with many top European sides. AC Milan are noted alongside the Gunners in the report.

And it was recently claimed that Sanches has become a priority target for Barcelona. Therefore, Wolves will find it difficult to ‘resurrect’ a move for him.

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Lage eyes Wolves target

To fill that defensive need, Lage is reportedly looking to Mexico defender Carlos Salcedo.

W Deportes reports that the side are interested in Tigres defender Salcedo.

Salcedo has made 48 appearances for Mexico, showcasing his ability. Furthermore, he has been a mainstay of the Tigres side over the past couple of seasons.

However, the Mexican is in the final year of his deal with the side. Moreover, his release clause is just £7.3million, which seems a steal should Wolves want to activate it.

READ MORE: Wolves ‘would love’ to win striker race amid Liverpool, Man City rumours