Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui could allow defender Rayan Ait-Nouri to leave the club until the end of the season, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Ait-Nouri impressing for Wolves

The Frenchman has matured into an impressive player at Molineux, providing both defensive nous and attacking quality, invariably in a left wing-back role.

Ait-Nouri has scored once in the Premier League so far this season, firing home a dramatic last-gasp winner in the 2-1 victory at Everton on Boxing Day.

Despite his influence, a fresh claim suggests that the 21-year-old could be moving on from Wolves.

The Latest: Lopetegui 'willing' to sanction exit

According to Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Real Betis want to sign Ait-Nouri, seeing him as 'one of the best' options to replace Alex Moreno, who has joined Aston Villa.

It is also stated that Lopetegui 'would be willing to give up’ the youngster until the end of the season.

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The Verdict: Shock decision?

This update comes as a real shock, at a time where Wolves are desperately fighting for Premier League survival and need as much depth as possible.

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Not only that, but Ait-Nouri's quality is there for all to see, with an average of 2.2 tackles per game in all competitions this season, and he has been lauded as 'phenomenal' by journalist Tim Spiers in the past.

He has started seven times in the league this season and has featured in four of the last five top flight games, so allowing him to leave does seem quite baffling.

On the plus side, his potential exit would only be a temporary one ahead of a summer return, but getting rid of him in January doesn't make too much sense.