Wolves: £10m move for Preston’s Ben Davies could solve two squad issues

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Express, Wolves are planning a move for £10m-rated Preston centre-back Ben Davies.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Midlands-based side are believed to be stepping up their interest in the 24-year-old, who has been in fine form for Preston as they currently sit 4th in the Championship.

Davies has been watched by Wolves in recent weeks, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are keen to make a move for the defender when the window reopens in January.

The report states that Alex Neil’s side would prefer to keep hold of Davies as they look to mount a promotion challenge, although they will allow him to leave if any interested party meets their asking price.

Ideal heir to Ryan Bennett and a replacement for Jesus Vallejo 

A move for Davies would potentially solve two squad issues.

Firstly, at just 24 years of age, the Englishman is five years younger than Ryan Bennett and could well provide Nuno with a long-term replacement for the centre-back, who has made six Premier League appearances this season.

Bennett will turn 30 in March, and if Wolves have anything about them they will already be looking at options to succeed him in the backline.

In addition to this, Jesus Vallejo’s season-long loan move from Real Madrid expires at the end of the current campaign, which will weaken Nuno’s centre-back department.

The Spain U21 international has made two Premier League appearances for Wolves this season, as well as three starts in the Europa League, but there is currently no indication that the temporary move will be turned into a permanent one.

In this respect, and with Bennett’s advancing years in mind, a move for Davies could kill two birds with one stone.