Five experienced left-back suggestions for Wolves
After the big blow of losing Jonny Castro Otto to another knee injury, Wolves have some thinking to do when it comes to left-back.
Of course, they have Rayan Ait-Nouri on loan from Angers, and Nuno Espirito Santo may decide to buy the young Frenchman in the summer.
The out-on-loan Ruben Vinagre is also an option, along with the currently-sidelined Fernando Marcal.
But given the difficulties Wolves had in that area this season, you could argue their best bet might now be to look for someone with proper Premier League experience behind them.
On that front, here are five players who know what the top-flight is all about – and would not break the bank.
Patrick van Aanholt
Someone who could soon be snapped up on a free is Crystal Palace’s van Aanholt.
The 30-year-old Dutchman is one of many whose current deal at Selhurst Park is set to expire at the end of this season.
He has reportedly been offered a three-year pre-contract agreement by Turkish club Galatasaray, but should he wish to remain in England, maybe Wolves should have a look at him.
Van Aanholt has made a total of 211 Premier League appearances, chipping in with 20 goals and 15 assists along the way. Capable of playing as a full-back or wing-back, he knows what the level is all about.
Ryan Bertrand
In a similar situation to van Aanholt is 31-year-old Bertrand – now in the final months of his contract at Southampton.
The former Chelsea youngster is yet to agree on fresh terms at St Mary’s and would bring high-level nous.
Leicester and Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the Champions League and Europa League winner, who also has 19 England caps, so striking up a deal would not be straightforward.
But, again, Bertrand has been a consistent performer in the Premier League for several years and if his wage demands are reasonable, he could be a shrewd addition.
Ben Davies
A few years younger than the previous pair is Tottenham man Davies.
He still has a while to run on the five-year contract he penned back in 2019, but given the uncertainty at Spurs under Jose Mourinho, perhaps there could be an opportunity to get a deal done.
While Davies may not be the most attack-minded of full-backs, he also knows the Premier League like the back of his hand.
The Welshman – also capable of playing as a centre-half in a back three – has made 217 appearances in the top flight across his spells at Tottenham and Swansea.
And at 27, his best years may still be in front of him.
Charlie Taylor
Also 27 is Taylor, who has spent the last four years at Burnley.
He does not boast the same level of experience and success as the others, but he has made 95 top-flight appearances – the vast majority coming as a starter, too.
Sean Dyche’s Clarets are not known for their free-flowing football but, like Nuno has done with Wolves, they pride themselves on organisation and being tough to beat.
Taylor is not a name that would set pulses racing, but neither was Ryan Bennett when he arrived as a free agent. These players are worth taking into account.
Danny Rose
Perhaps the biggest risk of the lot, admittedly, would be Rose.
Frozen out over the past year at Spurs, the 30-year-old will become a free agent at the end of June.Having not played a competitive game in 2020/21, there would, naturally, be concerns over his fitness.
But boasting 194 Premier League appearances and 29 England caps, Rose may still have something to offer. You would imagine he is itching to get back playing regularly, too.
