Wolverhampton Wanderers could be dealt a colossal blow as the January transfer window nears completion with captain Conor Coady subject to interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
What's the story?
According to The Daily Star, Newcastle are plotting a late bid for the Wolves defender and could offer in the region of £25m to bring the Englishman to Tyneside.
With the window set to close on Monday, United would have to move quickly to get a deal for the 28-year-old over the line.
The Magpies' seemingly unlimited funds that have come as a result of their Saudi-backed takeover in October are well documented and are still reportedly keen to spend on reinforcements as they look to secure Premier League survival.
Eddie Howe's side are the Premier League's second-worst defenders behind Norwich City, having shipped a whopping 43 goals in 21 top-flight matches so far this campaign.
Coady has enjoyed an excellent campaign for Bruno Lage's side thus far and a departure mid-season could have seriously dire consequences for the West Midland's outfit.
Wolves must keep Coady
Not only is Coady a hugely popular and influential figure at Molineux, but he's arguably Wolves' best defender, something that means the club's fanbase would be fuming to see him depart.
The Old Gold are the Premier League's second-best defenders behind league leaders Manchester City, having conceded just 16 goals in 21 matches with Coady proving highly influential in securing that feat.
The 28-year-old hasn't missed a Premier League match all season, keeping eight clean sheets in 21 appearances as well as scoring twice.
Moreover, the centre-back is now firmly in the picture of England manager Gareth Southgate's plans, having made his debut for the national team in September 2020 and has eight caps to date.
Wolves are targeting a top-six finish but, by parting ways with Coady, Lage would be losing a major presence and influence as well as a kingpin and catalyst for his excellent start to life as a Premier League manager.
As a result, his side's ambitions of European qualification could suffer a disastrous blow should they lose him.
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