Wolves have been linked to one former Chelsea starlet ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Old Gold named as one of the clubs ‘keeping tabs’ on the centre-back.
Gary O’Neil will be eager to drive his team over the finish line with only nine games to play in the 2023/24 campaign, particularly as his squad battles an injury rut.
Going into the season, it was expected that Wolves would struggle to compete with those around them in the Premier League, a belief voiced by Julen Lopetegui who left his post days prior to the start of the term.
Still, O’Neil continues to defy the odds with the Old Gold, who are still on course for a top-10 finish although, the Englishman will soon start to allow his eyes to drift towards the summer transfer market to replenish his limited squad.
Wolves linked to former Chelsea defender Jake Clarke-Salter
While it’s expected that the manager will put the spotlight on searching for a new striker, with three targets already spoken of, there could be room for the club to bolster the back line too.
In a report from The Sun, Wolves are named as one of the clubs said to be interested in Queens Park Rangers centre-back Jake Clarke-Salter.
The report details that the Midlands club are ‘keeping tabs’ on the 26-year-old’s movements ahead of the summer, joined by Burnley and Crystal Palace as being the Premier League representatives that admire the defender.
Having risen through Chelsea’s infamous Cobham academy, the Englishman is clued up on the demands of playing at the top level despite only recording one appearance in the Premier League himself.
Jake Clarke-Salter has proved himself in the Championship
After numerous loan spells throughout his career at Chelsea, the Blues saw Clarke-Salter exit permanently in 2022 where he joined QPR on a free transfer.
Prior to his permanent move, the defender enjoyed loans at Birmingham City, Coventry City, Bristol Rovers, Sunderland and Dutch club Vitesse, gaining a range of experience.
When it comes to the art of defending, the 26-year-old is one of the strongest in his position in the Championship, as told by his numbers this season.
As per FBref, the former Chelsea starlet ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs for his average of 74.4% dribblers tackled per 90, in the top 6% for his average of 2.39 tackles per 90 and top 5% for his average of 1.50 tackles won per 90.
The numbers only reinforce the calibre of player that was produced at Cobham, as echoed by John Terry, who once likened Clarke-Salter to himself.
“Jake has a great attitude. I remember watching him a couple of years ago being in control of the game and a really vocal player. He reminds me a bit of myself.”
A player with the recommendation of Terry, the “fantastic” defender, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, could be a strong asset for Wolves to add to their ranks, with the squad certainly needing added quality to bolster the depth at Molineux ahead of 2024/25.