Report: Wolves scouting Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of potential January swoop

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are stepping up their hunt for a new centre-back and Gabriel Magalhaes is the latest name mentioned.

According to The Daily Mail, Wolves have sent scouts to watch Gabriel in action for LOSC Lille. Wolves watched him against Bordeaux last weekend and could continue to keep their tabs on him in the upcoming game against Marseille.

Gabriel is a promising young defender who is now a regular at Lille. The left-footed centre-half stands at 6ft 3in tall, making him a physical presence as well as a ball-playing defender.

Wolves have been seeking a new centre-back with Willy Boly out with a long-term injury. Nuno Espirito Santo likes to play with three central defenders so Boly’s absence leaves a big hole at the back.

Gabriel could be the man to fill it. The 21-year-old has played 11 times this season, including three times in the Champions League. He is capped at U20 level by Brazil and has also played senior football for Avai, Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb.

TBR’s view

Wolves need a new centre-back because their lack of depth has been laid bare by Boly’s injury. With Ryan Bennett also out, Nuno has had to revert to using midfielders or youngsters in the back three.

Gabriel is unproven in England but he could be a shrewd wildcard signing. Depending on how much he would cost, the Brazilian starlet might be Wolves’ long-term solution at the back.