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Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing a delayed deal for Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto as Gary O’Neil steps up his quest for firepower.
Alberto, 22, appears to be a major target for Wolves ahead of the transfer deadline as Wolves offer a loan until the end of the season.
O’Neil, the Wolves head coach, has been determined to sign a ‘No 9’ goalscorer in the January window and the club is now in talks with Corinthians over a potential deal.
Wolves have also considered West Ham’s Danny Ings and Paris St-Germain’s Hugo Ekitike this month, while an offer to sign Chelsea striker Armando Broja on a direct loan was rejected through the London club.
With time running out and budget limited due to considerations over long-term breaches of profitability and sustainability [PSR] regulations, Wolves are hoping to close a loan deal for Alberto.
In the 2022/23 season, Alberto contributed 10 and seven assists in all competitions for Corinthians.
He joined the Brazilian giants last year on a permanent contract after first impressing on loan from Zenit St Petersburg.
Last year he made his debut for the national team in a friendly against Morocco.
Alberto was linked with West Ham last summer and Corinthians officials claimed he had refused to sign for David Moyes’ side.
The Wolves have effectively recruited overseas in Brazil, having signed midfielder Joao Gomes from Flamengo for around £15m. Matheus Cunha, the striker, is also Brazilian after arriving from Atletico Madrid last year.
If their attempt to sign Alberto is successful, Wolves could simply land midfielder Joe Hodge and teenage striker Nathan Fraser on loan.
O’Neil admitted last week that financial restrictions have made recruiting the right player difficult in this window.
He said: “We want to sign other people who deserve the opportunity to play for Wolves and who are smart enough for the group.
“January is complicated, the costs are inflated. If we can’t locate someone who can help us, we’ll make do with what we have, which is fine. “
Wolves are close to signing Noha Lemina, the teenage brother of midfielder Mario, in a loan deal that includes a buyout for around £1. 7m.
The club returns to Premier League action on Thursday against Manchester United at home.
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