Wolverhampton Wanderers have now submitted an opening bid for a defender who "never puts a foot wrong", but there could be competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.
Wolves looking to kick on under Pereira
Vitor Pereira's arrival last season marked a change in fortunes for Wolves, with the manager overseeing a major improvement in results, which meant relegation fears were quashed way before the business end of the season.
Pereira has stated he wants to "do better" next season, however, which means some new arrivals may be needed this summer, particularly with Matheus Cunha on his way to Manchester United, and there have been suggestions Nelson Semedo could follow the forward to Old Trafford.
Quite rightly, the manager may also be keen to strengthen his backline this summer, given that the Old Gold conceded the most goals of any side not to be relegated from the Premier League last season.
Club Final position Goals conceded
Tottenham Hotspur 17th 65
Wolves 16th 69
Manchester United 15th 54
West Ham United 14th 62
According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Wolves have now made an offer for Lazio defender Mario Gila, but there could be competition for his signature from their Premier League rivals, with Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion also keen.
Lazio's failure to qualify for Europe could have a big impact on their summer transfer window, and there is now growing interest in Gila, with the Italian club looking to hold out for a fee of €50m (£42m) for his services.
However, the Old Gold only appear to be willing to fork out €35m (£29m) for the centre-back's signature, so the two clubs remain some way apart at the moment, and he is thought to be keen on playing for a top club next season.
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Wolves will need to replace Matheus Cunha this summer
Former Lazio sporting director Igli Tare was full of praise for the Spanish defender upon signing him from Real Madrid, saying: "He is fast, intelligent and never puts a foot wrong. He can become one of the top 3-4 defenders in the world and it wouldn't surprise me if Real wanted him back."
mario-gila-lazio-serie-a
The Barcelona-born defender has since emerged as a key player for Lazio, making 32 Serie A appearances during the 2024/25 campaign, and CBS' Matteo Bonetti believes he could be in line for a move to a top club due to his "unique" profile.
As such, Gila could be a real coup for Wolves, but given that European football will not be on offer next season, it would be a surprise to see him move to Molineux.