Report: Wolves eyeing player who's become one of Europe's 'best central defenders' after Southampton stint

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are in pursuit of a new centre-back as the January transfer window edges ever closer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been without Yerson Mosquera since September, when he suffered a knee injury likely to keep him out for the rest of the season.

And with Wolves bringing in Vitor Pereira as manager as they continue to battle relegation, their need for reinforcements is stronger than many other Premier League sides.

Now, Wolves are said to be in the mix alongside Southampton for “one of the best central defenders in Ligue 1” and “also in Europe”.

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Wolves and Southampton eyeing Lens and Austria star Kevin Danso

The player in question is Kevin Danso, who played for Southampton on loan in 2019-20 and is now at French outfit Lens.

According to L’Equipe, Wolves have placed Danso on their wish-list as Lens seek to balance their books by selling players in January.

Lens owner Joseph Oughourlian has reportedly told sporting director Diego Lopez to balance the books and lower the wage bill at the club.

As a result, no player at the club is now considered untouchable, and that includes Danso, who could be sold for the right price.

Wolves and Southampton are both keen on Danso, alongside Spanish side Villarreal, according to the report.

However, is it said that there’s nothing concrete around the 26-year-old for now.

Meanwhile, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has confirmed that Lens will only sell one of Danso and Abdukodiv Khusanov in January.

Kevin Danso factfile

Danso is a 26-year-old central defender who currently plays for Lens and represents Austria at international level.

He spent time at Reading and MK Dons as a youngster before joining Augsburg’s academy and making his first-team breakthrough.

Danso joined Southampton on loan in 2019-20 but only made six appearances as he struggled playing out of position at full-back.

In a 2022 interview with The Athletic, Danso said: “The biggest problem was not playing enough games as a centre-half because I wasn't able to show what I could do."

A good loan stint at Bundesliga 2 side Fortuna Dusseldorg the following year helped get his career back on track and earned him the move to Lens.

In an interview with Austrian outlet Laola1 in 2023, his former manager Franck Haise said: “Kevin is now one of the best central defenders in Ligue 1, but also in Europe.

“He has developed into a complete defender who is not only strong in the air but also has good technique with few mistakes in his build-up play and very clean passing.”

Meanwhile, Rio Ferdinand highlighted Danso as a potential new addition at Manchester United, telling the Manchester Evening News: “The boy at Lens, there’s one there, he’s good.”