Suitors of Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Rayan Ait-Nouri have seemingly been handed a boost in the race for his signature.
The left-sided player has developed into one of the best full-backs or wing-backs in the Premier League during his time at Molineux.
During 2024-25 in particular, the Algeria international's return of four goals and seven assists is the best such return of any defender in the division.
However, despite Wolves having been successful in retaining the 23-year-old's services in the past, there is a growing feeling that he will eventually want to take on a new challenge.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who was commenting on X, they have seemingly been handed encouragement over a summer deal.
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What development has taken place?
Romano says that Ait-Nouri has taken the decision to change agents, moving away from Jorge Mendes's Gestifude agency and signing with CAA Stellar.
While it is plausible that such a move is possible to aid negotiations over a new contract, it appears unlikely at this stage if interest in his signature persists.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been suggested as potential destinations for Ait-Nouri ahead of the off-season.
Although Wolves' upturn in fortunes under Vitor Pereira could aid their efforts to extend the player's terms, doing so may not necessarily be a simple process.
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What do Wolves have to take into consideration?
As the best-performing attack-minded defender in this season's Premier League, Wolves are aware that they have an asset on their hands.
On the flip side, though, Ait-Nouri has just one year remaining on his contract, albeit with Wolves having the option to extend by a further 12 months which will be inevitably activated should he stay put.
From Wolves' perspective, they also have to assess when to try to maximise Ait-Nouri's transfer value courtesy of his former club Angers possessing a 50% sell-on fee.
Even if Ait-Nouri's contract is extended this summer, a sale remains more likely than not given the weaker position that they would find themselves in next season.
Liverpool, Man City and Man United may all be in the market for a left-back this summer, too. There may not be so many suitors if Wolves decide to keep Ait-Nouri for another season.
Darren Plant
