Wolves locked in talks to sign £26m-rated Ligue 1 defender… with Molineux chiefs still yet to agree a fee despite the player being eager on the move

Wolves have still to agree a fee with Lens for Kevin Danso although the £26m-rated centre-back is keen to make the switch. 

Danso is also an option for Aston Villa if they fail to progress on Chelsea‘s Axel Disasi or Juan Foyth at Villarreal.

Vitor Pereira’s side have already had two bids for Danso, 26, rejected as they desperately attempt to shore up a defence which has shipped 52 goals in the Premier League this season. Only Southampton have conceded more with 53. 

Wolves have already made a move to address this by signing defender Emmanuel Agbadou from Reims for £16.6m earlier this month.

Vitor Pereira (pictured) replaced Gary O’Neil as manager last month as Wolves fight relegation

They always wanted two centre backs this month but have a limited budget as they also need to bring in a defensive midfielder with Mario Lemina ready to leave. The club also want a winger and striker on loan before Monday’s deadline. 

Rennes have also placed bids for Danso but he is keen to move to the Premier League. 

Wolves’ interest in Danso – who was in the academies at MK Dons and Reading – is long standing, predating Pereira’s appointment as Gary O’Neil’s successor last month. 

Villa could yet make a rival bid if they fail to progress on Foyth and Disasi.

Villa have Saudi Arabian interest in striker Jhon Duran with Al Nassr offering £60m. They value the Colombian at £80m so, should they agree to sell, some of that fee could be utilised to strengthen other areas – though they still have PSR concerns to contend with.

The Midlands rivals face each other on the pitch on Saturday when 18th-placed Wolves host Aston Villa in the Premier League.