Wolves are keen to sign Stoke City right-back Moritz Bauer on loan for the rest of the season, according to Express and Star.
Bauer joined the Potters for £5.5m in the January transfer window of 2018 from Rubin Kazan, but has struggled to get regular playing time this season, having made just three appearances in the Championship so far.
The Austrian international had featured 15 times in the Premier League last season, but fell out of favour during former manager Gary Rowett’s reign after Stoke City’s 3-2 loss in the League Cup at the hands of Nottingham Forest in September.
Although Bauer started in his side’s 2-3 loss against Shrewsbury Town Stadium in the FA Cup third round replay on Tuesday, his future under new manager Nathan Jones is uncertain.
Pros of signing Bauer
Wolves need a cover for the wing-back position as they only have Matt Doherty, Jonny Castro Otto and Ruben Vinagre as their senior wing-backs in their squad.
The fixtures will come thick and fast and chances are that the players will get worn out in the coming months and someone like Bauer would be a decent backup signing for them.
The 26-year-old is an experienced player and his ability to play slightly higher up the pitch means he can be used as a makeshift right-winger should the need arise.
Bauer is known for his pace down the flanks and his drive on the transitional play. The Austrian is a good crosser of the ball and a move to Wolves might help him in reviving his career.
Cons of signing Bauer
Bauer was sidelined and out of favour for a major chunk of the 2018-19 season at Stoke City and isn’t in his best shape at this point in time. Therefore, a leap to the top-flight side would only invite more pressure.
Besides, it would need a big effort from him to get into the Wolves starting line-up, and his career would only derail further if he fails to make enough appearances, in case his move to the Molineux Stadium materialises.
Bauer would essentially be moving from one bench to another, and though Wolves will get a backup player, the fact that he hasn’t played much means he would be a gamble.