Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly keen on signing Osasuna defender David Garcia in January and the Spaniard could be the man to finally replace Conor Coady at Molineux.

Reports from Spain have suggested that Wolves have already met Garcia's €20m (£17.2m) release clause, as Julen Lopetegui looks to strengthen the defensive options at his new club.

The Old Gold lost influential centre-backs Romain Saiss, Willy Boly and Coady during the summer transfer window, with only Nathan Collins brought in as a replacement, and a lack of experience at the back has already cost Wolves on a number of occasions this season.

After looking so strong at the back under Bruno Lage in the last campaign, the Midlands club have been one of the worst in the division this term, having shipped 24 goals in just 15 games so far.

It is clear that Lopetegui is looking for another centre-back as he attempts to turn Wolves' season around following the World Cup break, and Garcia would arguably be a far better option than fellow reported target, Felipe.

The 33-year-old Brazilian has managed just three appearances in all competitions for Atletico Madrid this season and looks to be well past his best, whereas Garcia has been a mainstay in Osasuna's impressive campaign thus far, with Los Rojillos currently sitting seventh in Spain's top flight.

In 12 La Liga appearances, the Spaniard has contributed one goal and has averaged a solid 6.77 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which would rank him as the second-best performer in the Wolves' squad - behind only the talismanic Ruben Neves.

Felipe, meanwhile, has averaged a 6.66 rating across his two appearances in the league and managed a shocking 6.52 rating last season, which suggests that he is well past his best.

Garcia has also averaged significantly more interceptions than Felipe (1.6 vs 0) and clearances (4.5 vs 3.7) per game this season and is a far better long-term option in Lopetegui's side given that he is five years younger.

Therefore, when Wolves are considering their options to find a replacement for Coady at Molineux, Garcia should be well above Felipe on the list.