Wolves continue Vanheusden pursuit – but would he be a good signing?
Wolverhampton Wanderers remain in the running to sign Inter Milan defender Zinho Vanheusden – but would he be a good addition to the Wolves squad?
The Birmingham Mail cite Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad in reporting that Brighton and Hove Albion have had a bid for Vanheusden rejected and Southampton have been put off by his price tag.
The 19-year-old has spent the past 18 months back on loan at his boyhood club Standard Liege, where his development was aided by regular Belgian Pro League and Europa League action.
He is a 6ft 2″ tall, highly regarded centre-back who has represented Belgium up to U21 level and is known to have a mature head on his shoulders for a player of such tender years.
His ball-playing style would fit in at Wolves and the fact that manager Nuno Espirito Santo deploys a three centre-back formation means added squad depth in that area certainly won’t go amiss.
He is comfortable on the ball and able to pick a pass, a skill which could help in the initiating of counter-attacks and take some pressure of Joao Moutinho and Ruben Neves in that area.
Whether Vanheusden is ready for a regular starting spot in the Premier League remains to be seen, although it is likely he would be a rotation option to the trio of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett.
Over time he should progress into a fantastic, modern centre-back who is also adept at defending, which is, of course, his primary function.
The fact that several clubs are interested in him, including Arsenal, suggests the €18m price tag is a fair one, and Wolves should sign him in order to oversee his development for years to come.
Would Vanheusden be a good addition to Nuno Espirito Santo's squad?
Yes
No
