Wolves are considering a move for Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes as they seek defensive reinforcements after losing Willy Boly to an ankle injury.
The Lille centre-back has been watched by Wolves on more than one occasion this term, and it is understood a Molineux scout was at Ligue 1 fixtures against Bordeaux and Marseille.
Gabriel has played the full 90 minutes in a number of matches for his side. Lille sit fifth on the table with 18 points from 12 matches. Like Boly, he is a physically strong player who is comfortable on the ball.
With Boly out of action at least until the New Year, Wolves’ need for a quality centre-back is even more urgent – they were already looking to sign one in January, even before Boly fractured his left ankle in training.
Injury blow for Wolves as Willy Boly undergoes tests on a suspected ankle fracture sustained in training earlier today.
— Wolves (@Wolves) October 26, 2019
Gabriel is under contract at Lille until the end of next season and has only become a first choice starter this term. He is usually part of a four-man defence but Lille switched to a back three, Wolves’ favoured defensive formation, for the Bordeaux and Marseille fixtures.
While Lille are in a stronger position than a year ago after selling Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal in a deal rumoured to be around £72million, they are still rebuilding their finances following the difficulties of the last two seasons.
The 21-year old has yet to earn a senior cap for Brazil but has been capped four times at Under-20 level. Before making his breakthrough at Lille this term, Gabriel had loan spells at Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb, after he joined the club from Brazilian club Avai in January 2017.
