Latest developments
- Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks with Lens over Kevin Danso.
- But they have had two bids rejected by the French club.
- Danso has been one of Wolves' key targets this window.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Widely shared reports
Wolves are edging closer to getting some much needed cover for their leaky defence by signing Kevin Danso from Lens.
Reportedly one of the side's main targets for the January transfer window, The Telegraph and a host of other outlets report that talks are in an advanced stage.
Value (4/5): Bids rejected
The same source claimed the deal was going to be £16 million, which would have represented great value for the Molineux club, given that Danso has a market value of £21 million.
Not only did Lens not accept that price for their Austrian international who plays 90 minutes every week when fit, but they have also turned down £18.44 million, as per the BBC.
Suitability (4/5): Wolves' defence is suffering
Not only is Danso an international for a national team on the up, but he also has Premier League experience, playing a grand total of 10 times for Southampton on loan in 2020.
A tall, powerful centre-back, he is exactly the player Vitor Pereira's men need, given they have the second leakiest defence in the league this season.
Upgrade? (4/5): Kilman not replaced
Wolves' problems at the back are partly due to not replacing captain Max Kilman, who departed for West Ham in the summer.
They have already raided France for new centre-backs this winter, namely Emmanuel Agbadou and Bastien Meupiyou, but 26-year-old Danso should have ambitions of a starting place in the side.
Logic (4/5): Agreed on Danso's side
It is only Lens scuppering the deal, as apparently Danso's personal terms have already been agreed, suggesting he is ready for another crack at the English top flight.
As the price rises, the deal will look less attractive to Wolves, but it's hard to argue that they need all the defensive help they can get, after 52 goals conceded already.
Whisper+ verdict: 19/25
Wolves might have to throw an extra few million Lens' way, but this deal could finally be settled soon.
