Wolves are reportedly interested in signing Chelsea's Ethan Ampadu this summer, and the Wales international could be the ideal man to replace Conor Coady at Molineux.
What's the word?
According to reports from Italy, a number of Serie A clubs are interested in taking the former Exeter City man on loan, while he has also attracted the interest of Wolves.
However, they suggest that Ampadu is keen on a permanent move away from Stamford Bridge as he seeks regular first-team football, which looks unlikely at Stamford Bridge following the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly and the potential addition of Wesley Fofana.
Ideal Coady heir?
Wolves made the somewhat surprising decision to loan out their captain to Premier League rivals Everton earlier this month, with Bruno Lage seemingly set to favour a four-at-the-back formation this season.
While Nathan Collins has arrived from Wolves, partnering Max Kilman in the heart of Lage's defence, you could argue that more cover is needed in that position before the transfer window shuts.
Lage does have Willy Boly available too but the Ivorian's form last season, when he was ranked as one of Wolves' worst performers in the Premier League, suggests that he won't be featuring too much this season.
The Portuguese boss also has young options in Yerson Mosquera and Toti, but neither have much Premier League experience, so Ampadu could definitely be a shrewd acquisition when you consider his experience and versatility.
The Welshman, despite being just 21, has been a regular in each of the last two seasons with Sheffield United and Venezia respectively, so will undoubtedly be looking for another season of first-team football.
Ampadu is also capable of playing in defensive midfield, which is where Coady started his career at Liverpool before adopting the centre-back role during his time at Molineux.
The Chelsea youngster, who was dubbed "versatile" by his Wales manager Rob Page, earned a lot of praise from Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom during his time at Bramall Lane.
He said: “The biggest thing with Ethan is his application and his love of the game and his professionalism to be as good as he can be. That’s a real bonus of him if you like, and he’ll fulfil his potential, wherever that may be.
“He’s been used in a number of positions cos he’s got a good brain and he knows the roles. But he’s also keen to find a position that he can become a master in and that’s something I’ve encouraged with Ethan.
“It can be an attribute that you can fill all the gaps. But I think Ethan has aspirations to be a top player at the top teams and at international level, so I think to become a master in one position will help him with that.”
Considering Ampadu is still only young, he could definitely adjust to whatever role Lage wanted to utilise him in, and the Welshman could prove to be the ideal man to replace Coady in Wolves' squad this summer.