Wolverhampton Wanderers are listed as one of the two Premier League sides who “stand out” in the chase to sign Real Madrid defender Nacho, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Minutes decreasing…
32-year-old Spanish defender Nacho has been a loyal servant to Los Blancos. Having come through the academy ranks, Madrid is all he has ever known.
However, playing time has now become an issue for the versatile veteran, with the central defender, who can also play both full-back roles, compiling a mere 141 minutes from seven appearances with just one start made in La Liga this term.
As he nears the 300 game mark for Real Madrid, Nacho may need to evaluate his future with his contract expiring in the summer of next year.
The Latest: Wolves on high alert
According to Sport Witness, who relayed a report from the Spanish press, there is a possibility for Nacho to switch clubs in the upcoming winter market, which has put Wolves on alert.
Real Madrid have offered the versatile defender a one-year contract extension, though it is said that the Spaniard has not accepted this proposal due to the concerning lack of minutes.
Wolves are listed as a “stand out” destination alongside Aston Villa, with the Old Gold’s interest “not accidental” due to the arrival of Julen Lopetegui as the new boss at Molineux.
It is said that Lopetegui knows Nacho well from their shared time at the Bernabeu, with the Spanish boss always liking the player.
The Verdict: Get it done!
Although Wolves’ back line has hardly been the biggest problem at Molineux this season, improvements can still be made, and there is very little depth behind the first-choice centre-backs.
And besides, an addition like £133k-per-week Nacho at the back - a defender schooled in a possession-based, progressive approach - could slowly but surely help the side in their goalscoring woes too, with the Real Madrid man able to commence attacks from deep due to his ability to play out.
With Wolves bottom of the table, a familiar face could go along way in Lopetegui’s revival mission.