Wolves primed to head into transfer market for new central defender

The stance would change if Collins were to depart and leave Craig Dawson, Max Kilman and Toti Gomes as the only senior centre-backs on the books.

Brentford have been in talks over a move for Collins but are yet to meet Wolves’ £25million valuation for the Republic of Ireland international.

The bulk of Wolves’ squad, barring those players who were away on international duty last month, are due back at Compton Park tomorrow for the start of pre-season.

Head coach Julen Lopetegui is also closing in on his first signing of the summer, with former Northampton Town goalkeeper Tom King poised to join on a free transfer.

The 28-year-old will replace Matija Sarkic as the club’s third-choice keeper behind Jose Sa and Dan Bentley. Sarkic is expected to leave before the season begins.

Wolves yesterday confirmed the departure of strategic player marketing manager Matt Jackson, who has become president of Swiss club Grasshoppers.

Jackson’s responsibilities included looking after the club’s loan players and sporting director Matt Hobbs said: “Since he joined Wolves, Matt has been a massive asset to the club and has revolutionised the way we approach our young and developing players, where they go to develop and ultimately how they exit the club, if and when they eventually do so.

“He has been an excellent colleague to us all, and I’d like to thank Matt for his work at Wolves and wish him the very best of luck with his new role.”