Wolves want Lille youngster amid Boly injury lay off

Wolves have earmarked Lille centre-back Gabriel as a potential transfer target with Willy Boly sidelined with injury for the foreseeable future, claims The Daily Mail.

Boly fractured his ankle in training last weekend and has been ruled out of Wolves' remaining fixtures this year.

Signing a new centre-back in January was under consideration by Wolves prior to Boly's injury but now it is now at the forefront of their plans heading into 2019.

Gabriel has emerged as a highly rated prospect in Ligue 1 since breaking onto the scene last season and Wolves have already watched the 21-year-old on several occasions this term.

The Brazil Under-20 international has played an integral part in Lille's strong start to the season and is a regular feature in our best rated U21 XI from Europe's top five leagues.

Gabriel's current Lille deal is not due to expire until the end of next season but Wolves are interested in prising him away from the French side in January.

Only Benjamin Andre (7.36) and Victor Osimhen (7.25) have gained higher WhoScored ratings than Gabriel (6.98) of Lille players in Ligue 1 this season.

Like Boly, Gabriel is physically capable. In fact, the Lille centre-back has an impressive aerial duel success rate of 75.7% in Ligue 1 this season.