Wolves prepare for sale of KEY Liverpool target

Liverpool have got several left-backs on their radar heading into the summer transfer window.

Milos Kerkez of Bournemouth is seen as the frontrunner with the Hungarian well-known to sporting director Richard Hughes - who signed him for the Cherries.

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Another contender is Antonee Robinson, believed to have big supporters inside Anfield and perhaps the outstanding left-back in the Premier League this season for Fulham.

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One more top-flight contender for Andy Robertson’s role has been named as Rayan Ait-Nouri. The 23-year-old Wolves wide player has been sensational since Vitor Pereira took over at Molineux in December.

He has played left wing-back, left midfield and even at centre-back over the past few months. Prior to the Portuguese’s arrival, he played as an orthodox left-back under Gary O’Neil.

New contract for Ait-Nouri

The Algeria international has been watched extensively by both Liverpool and Manchester City over the past couple of seasons and looks capable of making a step up.

He is under contract with Wolves until 2026 - with a club option for another year - and the Premier League side are making plans to protect their investment - like they have recently done with Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes.

Those two Liverpool targets have sealed new contracts over the past few months - ensuring Wolves get top dollar in the event of their sale.

And now The Telegraph is reporting that Ait-Nouri is in line for a renewal before the new season kicks off - but claims that unlike Cunha the club intend to keep him long-term.

“Ait-Nouri, the Algeria international, has been scouted frequently by Liverpool and Manchester City in recent seasons,” the report states.

“Wolves regard Ait-Nouri as a key player in their future and are determined to retain the core of their squad.”

Wolves REMOVE sell-on clause

However, that line of thinking is contradicted somewhat by the revelation that Wolves are preparing the groundwork for Ait-Nouri’s sale.

Having initially joined Wolves on loan back in 2020, the defender completed a permanent move from Angers in Ligue 1 for around £10m in 2021. As part of the deal, Angers inserted a 50 percent sell-on clause - which Wolves now intend to buy out for £9m.

“If Wolves do end up cashing in on Ait-Nouri, they are expected to buy out an intriguing clause written into the £10 million deal agreed with previous club Angers in July 2021,” the report states.

“Angers inserted a 50 per cent sell-on which can be bought out by Wolves for a fee of about £9 million. Wolves are likely to trigger that option as a formality before any transfer is completed.”

Liverpool on alert for Ait-Nouri

That would suggest that Wolves are aware Ait-Nouri’s days at the club are numbered and they want to sell him for a high fee. Valued in the report at £50m, Wolves will be very much against handing £25m of that over to Angers.

Far cheaper to sort out the £9m clause as soon as possible. Liverpool should therefore be on alert.

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A new contract will put Ait-Nouri’s asking price higher - as well as take his wages up a level - but the writing out of the clause means Wolves are ready to sell.

This season he has stepped up a level - scoring four Premier League goals and adding seven assists.