Ritchie De Laet may be allowed to leave Aston Villa in January – and Championship promotion rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers want a right-back.
Wolves fans will no doubt claim that, if Ritchie De Laet can’t get a game for Aston Villa, why should the club sitting at the top of the Championship table consider offering him an escape route in January?
But with the Express and Star claiming that a back-up right-back is one of Wolves’ priorities during the January transfer window – and the Birmingham Mail reporting that De Laet could be allowed to leave Villa – the experienced Belgian should perhaps come into consideration.
De Laet may have started just one Championship game all season for Villa but it must be remembered that he has only recently returned after a long period on the sidelines. And, in his absence, Alan Hutton has performed simply too well to be dropped.
And the former Manchester United speedster has a huge amount of experience at the top end of the Championship, starring as Leicester City won the league title back in 2013/14 before also earning promotion on loan at Middlesbrough two years later.
On paper, De Laet, an attack minded full-back offers real pace going forward, could be a fine understudy to Matt Doherty in Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s preferred wing-back role.
With the buccaneering Doherty in fantastic form this season, Wolves need someone who can offer support should injury or suspension strike. And De Laet’s experience and promotion-race know-how could make him a good addition both on and off the pitch.
Yes, Wolves can afford better with their Chinese owners parading a seemingly endless bucket of cash. Though on this occasion, Wolves don’t need to spend big with a player like De Laet on the market.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
