LOSC Lille’s 21-year-old right back Zeki Celik is among three players at the French club in the sights of Wolverhampton Wanderers after the Premier League outfit launched a scouting mission, according to Le 10 Sport.
The French publication claim on their website that Wolves had a scout in place to watch on in the Ligue 1 clash between Lille and Montpellier and that they were left impressed by match winner Nicolas Pepe after he scored the only goal of the game.
However it is said that the competition surrounding his signing will make it difficult for Wolves to seal his capture but that four cap Turkish international Celik, as well as Portuguese midfielder Xeka, could be on their way to Molineux if Wolves choose to pounce.
Good move for Wolves?
Focusing on Celik to start of with, Wolves hardly need a new right back for the first team. Matt Doherty has been in sensational form in the Premier League and have the homegrown Dominic Iorfa in reserve.
Still, perhaps Nuno Espirito Santo is not sold on the 23-year-old and wants competition for the Republic of Ireland defender and in the Turkish star they would have a young talent who is already experienced and will continue to grow.
Pepe would be an amazing signing but seems out of their reach, while Xeka is an interesting one as a defensive midfielder. Wolves do not really have an experienced ball winner, with Ruben Neves more of a box-to-box player and so he could be a welcome addition to the squad.
This is Futbol rating: Celik – 8/10, Pepe – 10/10, Xeka – 6.5/10
Likely to happen?
Pepe is said to be a non-starter so Wolves fans can forget about that one, but the other pair seem much more realistic.
The lack of need for either might leave them as potential purchases, rather than ones they will actively hunt down, but an injury blow or a sale of their own could lead them to swooping in January.
This is Futbol rating: Celik and Xeka – 7/10, Pepe – 1/10