Exciting Wolves youngster Rayan Ait-Nouri is unlikely to leave Molineux in the near future, according to reliable journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Ai-Nouri linked with exit

Bruno Lage's side have enjoyed a good start to the season and Ait-Nouri has shone at left-back, making eight Premier League starts and enjoying an average match rating of 7.12, according to WhoScored.

The 20-year-old's performances have reportedly alerted other Premier League clubs, with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace both linked with January moves - the former of course will have no end of riches to splash in the upcoming transfer window, perhaps a concern for Wolves if they can sell the Frenchman on the KSA project.

Ait-Nouri's current Wolves deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, however, putting his current employers in a very strong negotiating position.

The Latest: Hatfield gives key update

Speaking to Give Me Sport, perhaps with the length of that contract in mind, Hatfield provided a positive update from a Wanderers perspective, saying he doesn't expect the youngster to move on any time soon:

"I'd be surprised if that happens. Wolves obviously signed Ait-Nouri because of his age and quality and Wolves will see him as a player that is going to improve with them."

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The Verdict: Big player in the future

Ait-Nouri looks like a player with huge potential, so it would be a big blow to see him depart Molineux and potentially join a rival. The fans in the Black Country will certainly be chuffed with Hatfield's verdict, given their criticism when the rumours of an exit broke earlier this week.

The Frenchman was superb up against Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah earlier this month - the Egyptian created Divock Origi's late winner when the left-back had come off - and he has averaged an impressive 3.9 tackles per game in the league this season.

That is comfortably the most out of any Wolves player, which speaks volumes, and the hope is that he stays put for many years to come.

In other news, three Wolves players struggled in the win over Brighton. Find out who they are here.