Wolves plot bid for £18m machine who’s “destroying everyone”, Lage needs him badly – opinion

Wolves are plotting a bid for RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure as Bruno Lage aims to rejuvenate his squad ahead of next season.

According to The Mirror, the 22-year-old is set to leave Lens for a move to the Premier League this summer, with the midfielder in high demand.

Wolves are interested, although they face a battle alongside Arsenal, Everton, Brighton and Crystal Palace, who are all keen to secure his signature.

With his market value currently sitting at £9m, the report states a bid of £18m could be the fee to secure his services.

Wolves have had a solid first season under the leadership of Lage as they secured a third top-half finish in four seasons since their promotion from the Championship in 2018. The aim for next term will surely to be in amongst the European places as the manager looks to emulate Nuno Espirito Santo, who guided the club into Europe in 2019.

This will be a challenging task, and with the rumours circling over the future of Ruben Neves, the squad will need to be strengthened over the summer.

Doucoure would be an excellent addition at Molineux. With an average WhoScored rating of 6.94, which ranks him fifth in the Lens squad, and an 87.5% pass success rate, it’s clear to see why the 22-year-old is such a wanted man.

The midfielder places in the top 7% compared to positional peers in the big five European leagues for progressive passes (6.26 per 90) and progressive carries (6.87). Although he is a defensive midfielder, his willingness to get forward and support the attack as much as possible will surely please Lage.

Indeed, Doucoure plundered four assists in Ligue 1 this season, the same tally as Wolves’ chief creator Raul Jimenez in the Premier League.

Following a stellar performance against