Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in a swoop for Royal Antwerp’s Aurelio Buta, according to Het Nieuwsblad.
Tuesday’s edition of the Belgian newspaper explained that the Old Gold have the 22-year-old, Portuguese full-back lined up as a potential transfer option (via Sport Witness).
Premier League competition
According to the report, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are facing competition for the right-back’s signature as several other Premier League clubs are interested in the young defender.
Reportedly, Leicester City are interested as a potential replacement for Ricardo Pereira, should he leave in January, along with Watford and Southampton (per Sport Witness).
Are Wolves in need of defensive cover at right-wing back?Yes, it's needed
No, not essential
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TiF Tactics – How does he fit in at Wolves?
With Wolves’ continued involvement in the Europa League, coupled with the Premier League and FA Cup, leaving the squad stretched (as per The Guardian), reinforcements are needed in January.
Due to that required strength in depth, Buta could fit Nuno Santo’s billing perfectly and would be an extremely viable option should the club opt to pursue him.
While the Portuguese defender is young at 22, he has first-team experience, which allows him to be a good understudy to Matt Doherty while it is assured that he is capable at first-team level.
So far this term, the young right-back has featured in 23 games for his Belgian club, in which he has netted once and assisted five times, also playing on both sides of the backline, showing his versatility (as per Transfermarkt).
While he fits the Wolves mould well, his young age and a contract until 2021 may inflate his £3.6-million value (Transfermark) somewhat, however, he is still an extremely viable option.