Wolves are now highly unlikely to sign a new centre-back by the end of deadline day, following an update from reliable journalist Steve Madeley.

The Lowdown: Centre-back needed

While Nathan Collins arrived from Burnley earlier in the summer, former Wanderers captain Conor Coady's move to Everton has left Bruno Lage short of defensive options.

Romain Saiss also departed Wolves on a free transfer after the end of last season - Willy Boly has joined Nottingham Forest, too - further highlighting why reinforcements are required.

While there has been some hope that a new centre-back would come in on deadline day, namely the talks for Craig Dawson, it looks as though that is now wishful thinking.

The Latest: Madeley drops late 'development'

Writing on Twitter on Thursday evening, Madeley confirmed that Wolves are not expected to sign a central defender before the 11pm cutoff:

"As just discussed on the @TheAthleticUK live show, it now seems unlikely that Wolves will sign a centre-back tonight. Interesting development as Lage was pretty clear last night that he wanted an experienced figure to replace Boly and complement Collins, Kilman, Toti."

The Verdict: Disappointing news

That is undoubtedly a worrying update from Madeley, with Wolves looking short at centre-back even though they remain a defensively-resolute team.

One more signing in that area would have been ideal, in terms of filling the Coady, Saiss and Boly-shaped void and giving Lage some much-needed squad depth.

Hopefully, it isn't a decision that ends up backfiring as the season progresses - if it does, Wolves supporters will have every right to air their grievances about this very moment.