Wolves could well be in the market for a new defender this summer – and the club have reportedly now been joined in the hunt for one target by Everton.
Gary O’Neil has four centre-back options at the moment, but the feeling has long been that one or two more need to come in.
Wolves play with three at a time, so there is considerable strain on those four options.
Craig Dawson, as good as he still is, isn’t getting any younger and a long-term replacement is definitely required for him.
Wolves are apparently interested in Koni De Winter – but it is now being claimed that Everton have joined the hunt for the Juventus player…
Wolves facing competition from Everton for Koni De Winter
It was reported last weekend that Wanderers like the look of De Winter, 21, and had been sending scouts to watch him.
De Winter has been on loan with Italian club Genoa this season, and has made 24 appearances across all competitions so far.
They actually have an obligation to buy the player, which could complicate matters for Wolves. this clause is apparently worth around £6.8 million.
The youngster – branded ‘gifted’ by journalist Antonio Mango – needs to only make two more appearances to turn his move to Genoa permanent.
Despite this, it is still being claimed by TMW that Wolves and Everton are eyeing De Winter, who made his senior debut for Belgium against the Republic of Ireland last week.
Still a chance for Wolves despite Genoa obligation
So De Winter looks as though he will turn his loan move to Genoa permanent – but this does not necessarily mean that Wolves can’t do a deal this summer.
The club should have more freedom to spend this summer compared to last, and it’s possible Genoa will be open to turning a quick profit on the player.
He would only be signing for them for £6.8 million, so Wolves would obviously have to offer significantly above that to tempt the Italians.
The rival interest from Everton is not too ideal.
But if the Toffees happen to suffer relegation to the championship this season then that could help Wolves in any transfer chase, with De Winter – who idolises Vincent Kompany – likely to want to play in the top-flight.