Lopetegui eyes Wolves raid for outstanding World Cup defender

Newly-appointed Wolves manager Julen Lopetgeui is eyeing a January move for Australia’s World Cup star Harry Souttar to bolster his side’s defensive options, as reported by TEAMtalk.

Stoke centre-back Souttar was one of the stand-out performers for Australia at the World Cup. The 24-year-old featured in every game as the Socceroos surprised plenty to reach the last 16. Their run, though, came to an end following a defeat to eventual winners Argentina.

And Souttar’s impressive displays in Qatar were all the more remarkable having only recently recovered from a serious knee injury which ruled him out for over a year.

Souttar was attracting interest from Premier League clubs prior to his injury, anyway. But his stunning performances at the World Cup have brought him on to the radar of a host of top clubs across Europe.

Now we understand that Stoke are bracing themselves for interest in the giant 6ft 6in defender in January. And the Potters would find it hard to resist any sizeable offers for the Scottish-born star.

Lopetegui has quickly stamped his mark on the Wolves squad with the Old Gold announcing the signing of Matheus Cunha from Atletico Madrid on Christmas Day. And the Spaniard hopes to make further additions before the window shuts in order to boost his side’s survival prospects.

The Boxing Day victory at Everton has lifted Wolves off the bottom of the table. And that success at Goodison was just Wolves’ third win in 16 attempts this season – not that Lopetegui is taking anything for granted.