Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly identified a former key player as a potential arrival before the end of the summer transfer window.
The club's fanbase have been left frustrated by the attempts that have been made to strengthen their options in defensive areas.
Although Max Kilman has effectively been replaced by the returning Yerson Mosquera, the perception is that Wolves are lacking quality in the middle of their backline.
There is also scepticism over whether the players at Gary O'Neil's disposal are capable of being deployed effectively in a back four, particularly with eight goals having been shipped against Arsenal and Chelsea respectively.
Operating with a limited transfer budget, it remains to be seen how Wolves will address the situation, yet it appears that there is interest in signing a player who can be used in more than one defensive-minded role.
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Dendoncker in line for Wolves return?
According to Football Insider, O'Neil has indicated that he would be interested in bringing versatile Aston Villa player Leander Dendoncker into his squad.
Between the summer of 2018 and 2022, the Belgium international established himself as a key player at Molineux, making a total of 159 appearances in all competitions.
Dendoncker, who can play at centre-back or as a defensive-midfielder, did not miss a single Premier League fixture during 2019-20, as well as featuring on 11 occasions as Wolves reached the Europa League quarter-finals.
However, since leaving for Villa, the 29-year-old's career has completely stalled, with just 13 starts and 23 substitute outings having been made for Villa across two years in all competitions.
Furthermore, Dendoncker played just 21 minutes of football across three appearances on loan at Napoli during the second half of 2023-24, and he is surplus to requirements at Villa Park.
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What kind of deal is realistic?
The report suggests that Wolves are interested in negotiating a season-long loan deal for a player who they sold for £13m just two years ago.
On the face of it, Villa would be missing out if they facilitated a temporary exit, but Dendoncker is a high-earner at a time when the Champions League qualifiers could benefit from reducing their outgoings.
Anderlecht, another of Dendoncker's former clubs, are said to be monitoring the situation, and it may plausibly end up being a straight battle for his signature.
Prior to moving to the Midlands, Dendoncker made 171 appearances for the Belgian outfit, who will participate in the Europa League or Europa Conference League group stages from September onwards.
Darren Plant
