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Kevin Thelwell admits Leander Dendoncker was tracked by Wolverhampton Wanderers for a long time

Leander Dendoncker at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground on August 7, 2018 in Wolverhampton, England. (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Getty Images)
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Wolverhampton Wanderers got a deal over the line for Leander Dendoncker this summer.

Leander Dendoncker at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground on August 7, 2018 in Wolverhampton, England.

Wolverhampton Wanderers sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, has admitted to the Express and Star the Leander Dendoncker was on his side’s radar for a long time.

Wolves may have been playing Championship football last term, but their plans were always ambitious.

Wolves had their eyes on Dendoncker even when playing outside the top flight, as they felt he could be a valuable addition.

The chance to sign the Belgian came this summer, following their promotion to the Premier League.

And although Dendoncker has not been seen in a Wolves shirt yet, Thelwell has suggested that he could become a key player for them as the season progresses.

“He’s a young talent that lots of people have looked at,” Thelwell said.

Belgium's defender Leander Dendoncker (C) eyes the ball during the international friendly football match between Belgium and Costa Rica at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels on June 11,...

“We like his versatility in that he play as a defensive midfielder, on the right of the back three or as a holding centre-back.

“We’d tracked him for a long time and the timing was right for us to get him in.

“It’ll take him a while to adapt because the standard and pace of the Premier League is very different to the Belgian league.”

Dendoncker faces a fight for a place in Wolves’ team, either in midfield or defence.

Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho’s partnership in midfield has been excellent for Nuno’s side, while Ryan Bennett is playing well at the back.

Dendoncker may reportedly have a chance of making his Wolves debut in midweek though, as Nuno’s side face Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, when the pressure on them will be slightly reduced.

Belgium's midfielder Leander Dendoncker (L) vies with England's forward Marcus Rashford during the Russia 2018 World Cup Group G football match between England and Belgium at the...