Belgian international Leander Dendoncker set for Wolves medical
Belgian international, Leander Dendoncker is travelling to England where he is expected to undergo a medical at Premier League new-boys, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Premier League new-boys seem to have staved off competition from Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace. Football London suggests that the Eagles were interested in the versatile Belgian international. Wolves seem to have also staved off competition from Marseille, as per reports in Belgium.
Should Dendoncker finalise a move to Molineux, it would be Nuno Espirito Santo’s eleventh summer signing. Diego Jota, Willy Boly and Leo Bonatini made their loan spells in the Midlands permanent this summer. Due to links with super-agent, Jorge Mendes, Wolves have signed established Portuguese internationals such as former Monaco midfielder, Joao Moutinho and Rui Patricio. Most recently, Wolves triggered the £18 million release clause which saw winger Adama Traoré depart Middlesbrough for the newly promoted side.
Dendoncker, 23, has been at Belgian side, Anderlecht, since 2009, making his debut for the senior side in 2014. Since then, he has made 190 appearances in all competitions, scoring 12 goals. Dendoncker’s natural position is a central defensive midfielder, although he can play as a centre-back. This is something that could be advantageous for Wolves as Nuno will be continuing his three at the back formation.
The 23-year-old Belgian has six caps for Belgium, most recently coming in the third group stage fixture against England. Belgium won this fixture 1-0 with Adnan Januzaj scoring the solitary goal.
Dendoncker is a highly-rated prospect, having been linked to Manchester United in January. The Mail reported that Anderlecht told United to pay £27 million in order to acquire the Belgian’s services. Dendoncker scored an equaliser against Man United in the first-leg quarter-final of the 2016/17 Europa League. Anderlecht lost the tie 3-2 overall.