Wolves boss drops major transfer hint on Bristol City star - Brighton & Liverpool also linked

Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui has possibly dropped the biggest hint at a move for Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott amid uncertainty over the managers future.

The 56-year-old’s future is in doubt at Molineux with the Premier League club expected to encounter difficulties in the transfer market this summer. Wolves need to sell players and make a profit to allow them to trade.

Lopetegui guided the Midlands club to survival but the former Spain boss may have been expecting more room to maneuver in the transfer market. Financial Fair Play is currently limiting what Wolves can do and their approach this summer has been tipped to change.

The former Real Madrid boss hinted that his targets could come from the Championship, and that could be a hint about a move for Scott. Wolves were said to be interested in the 19-year-old in January but were put off by the asking price of a reported £25m. Europa Conference League finalists West Ham have already reportedly withdrawn from the race and are focusing on different targets.

Lopetegui said: “I am not asking for incredible signings from Real Madrid or Barcelona.

“I am thinking of signing good players, young players, maybe Championship players, I don’t know."

Wolves could be on the search for a replacement for their captain Ruben Neves, who is a reported target for Arsenal, Barcelona, and Liverpool. Joao Moutinho’s contract is also up this summer, and with the possibility of two central midfielders departing, it could create an opportunity for Scott.

Lopetegui is keen to draw up a transfer shortlist shortly and wants to get specific names sorted, so they can conduct their transfer business early. The summer transfer window opens on Wednesday, June 14, with teams expected to return for pre-season later that month.

He added: "This is the more important thing, the names of the players. And another very important thing for me as a coach is that in the start of July, we have a squad ready to work."

Wolves’ transfer situation makes for a good negotiating position for Bristol City, who are embraced for offers for their prized asset this summer. A reported fee of £25m is how much the club values him, but that could increase should there be a bidding war, which could prize Wolves out of a move.

Europa League bound Brightonand Liverpool are the two latest clubs to register their interest, whilst Leicester City are also keen but relegation to the Championship would rule out a move for a player that is destined to play in the top flight.