Wolves

Wolves

Premier League • England

Wolves require €25m bid after closing in on agreement with striker recently considered by Man Utd

Sasa Kalajdzic, Stuttgart v FC Koln May 2022

Wolves are discussing a deal for Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic after his previous links with Manchester United this summer, according to reports.

Kalajdzic is into the final year of his contract with Stuttgart, so has attracted various links with Premier League clubs. Earlier this month, for instance, he was said to be attracted by the idea of signing for Manchester United, who seemed to be showing an interest.

Their own gaze seems to have turned elsewhere, but Kalajdzic could yet get an opportunity in England. According to The Athletic, he has now become the subject of discussions with Wolves.

Although there has not even been a formal offer between the clubs, Wolves have commenced negotiations with Kalajdzic over personal terms.

In terms of an offer to Stuttgart, a figure of €25million (£21.2million) would be tempting for the Bundesliga side. Wolves are a distance away from that valuation in their own minds.

The Austria international is not the only player of his position on Wolves’ radar – and understandably so. Last season, the club finished in the top half of the Premier League, but were the lowest scorers outside the relegation zone; they averaged exactly one goal per league match.

At the start of this season, they have been without main striker Raul Jimenez due to injury and do not have anyone natural in reserve.

Hee-chan Hwang has played more as a winger than a centre-forward for them so far. The likes of Patrick Cutrone and Leo Bonatini are not in the plans after loan spells away.

Therefore, Wolves need stronger depth up front to compete with Jimenez. With that in mind, they are focusing on Kalajdzic.

Progress with personal terms

In addition to the claims from The Athletic, over in Germany, Sky reporter Florian Plettenburg has revealed that the 25-year-old has a verbal agreement in principle with Wolves. In turn, negotiations with Stuttgart are intensifying.

Wolves are hoping to get Kalajdzic in within a matter of days. Hopefully for their sake, this saga does not go right up to the transfer deadline at the start of September.

Bruno Lage’s side are next in action on Tuesday in the EFL Cup against Preston North End. Their next Premier League fixture will be against Newcastle on Sunday. Both games are at Molineux.

Sasa Kalajdzic could be answer to Wolves’ problems

After scoring 24 goals in 60 appearances for Stuttgart, Kalajdzic is an exciting talent. He seems capable of taking the next step in his career.

Wolves’ only question mark would be his injury record. If they are signing someone to compete with a striker who has had his own issues, opting for someone who missed 20 games last season might defy some logic.

But Kalajdzic is a strong player and with his height of two metres, could cause problems for Premier League defences.

Therefore, Wolves will be feeling their pursuit of him might be a risk worth taking. They could end up being rewarded by his form on the pitch.

And it may be of increased significance to Wolves amid news that Arsenal are in for one of their other players in the final third.