Wolves in talks for French defender

Now, the Express & Star understands Wolves have bid around £4.26million (€5million) and are waiting on a decision from Nantes.

Meupiyou, who has represented his country at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level, has been courted by a number of clubs and has the option to hold out for a top European side.

But Wolves are moving to sign the defender and hope their pathway for developing talent will help convince him to join. Meupiyou is expected to join the first team if the deal goes through.

In September last year Meupiyou made his senior debut in the Nantes starting line-up against Marseille, but was handed a straight red card after just nine minutes.

He then missed the majority of the season with a serious knee injury.

However, the youngster has featured heavily for Nantes in pre-season, with Wolves now ready to swoop for his signature.

It is understood that Wolves will still target a senior and more experienced centre-back this summer even if they strike a deal for Meupiyou.

Meanwhile, Ki-Jana Hoever is still set to depart on loan after seeing a move to Sheffield United fall through.

The 22-year-old returned from a loan spell at Stoke and was included in Wolves' pre-season tours of Spain and the US.

He then agreed a season-long loan move to Sheffield United, without an option to buy, but an injury has now seen that move fall through.

It is understood the injury is relatively minor, but that Hoever is unlikely to be fit for the start of the season.

Wolves are now working on a new move for the Dutchman, who signed for an initial £9million from Liverpool in 2020.

Luke Cundle, who also spent time on loan at Stoke last season, could also depart this summer.

However, the midfielder has impressed Gary O'Neil during pre-season and has an opportunity in the coming weeks to remain with the first team.