Wolves could be set to take a transfer gamble on defender Dael Fry in the summer, which could have sizeable ramifications upon the Premier League club.
According to Football League World, the Middlesbrough man is wanted by a number of English clubs, including Bruno Lage’s side.
Indeed, the likes of Leeds United, West Ham United, Burnley, Brighton, Southampton and Brentford are all also linked.
If Wolves are to beat off the competition, they may have to pay over £20m for the 24-year-old.
Transfer insider Dean Jones recently gave his verdict on the situation, telling GiveMeSport: “I’m told that Middlesbrough are going to put a £20m valuation on Dael Fry to try to make sure they get what they need out of him.
“They appreciate that he is not going to stay if they’re not promoted but, by putting that price tag on his head, they’re confident that is whereabouts he is in the market.
“They would hold out for it and he’s got 18 months left on his contract.”
With that in mind, here’s how a move for Fry could have a big impact upon Wolves.
Fosun take another risk
Of course, if Lage’s team do acquire the centre-back, shareholders Fosun will have to foot the bill. With the notable fee of £20m being touted for a player who is yet to be proven at the highest level, such a sum would represent something of a risk.
Wolves have taken a chance on an unproven player before when they broke their transfer record to sign 18-year-old Fabio Silva from Porto for a reported £35.6m.
While he is still young, four goals in 43 Premier League appearances does suggest that such money could have perhaps been better off invested in a more established player.
In Fry, however, perhaps the club feel they have found a talent worth the gamble.
Toti Gomes worried
If Wolves do end up doing enough in the transfer market to bring the Middlesbrough defender to Molineux, Toti Gomes could see his chances of becoming a regular in the team diminish.
Should Wolves sign Dael Fry from Middlesborough?
Yes
No
Having spent the first half of the season on loan with Swiss outfit Grasshoppers, the centre-back suddenly found himself right in the mix after being recalled in January for the rest of the campaign.
Indeed, Gomes started in both of the club’s last two league matches – wins against Southampton and Brentford – and the FA Cup loss to Norwich City.
However, despite his recent step-up into the team, the arrival of Fry would potentially see him drop back down the pecking order, with the likes of Conor Coady, Romain Saiss, Max Kilman and Willy Boly to contend with as well.
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