Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers are exploring a move to sign Nigerian forward Philip Otele from Swiss giants Basel before the end of the ongoing January transfer window, Bold Sports reports.
According to BBC Sport football reporter Nizaar Kinsella, Wolves have already held discussions over the conditions required to bring in the 26-year-old attacker, as the club looks to reinforce its squad in a bid to improve a difficult campaign.
Otele is understood to be keen on a move to the Premier League, with personal terms not expected to pose a problem despite reported interest from Scottish champions Celtic and Serie A side Lazio.
Basel, however, are holding out for a fee in the region of £7 million, although Wolves have explored the possibility of a loan deal with an option to buy that would include a loan fee.
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Any potential move remains dependent on player sales for Wolves, with the club operating in a highly uncertain transfer window. Relegation to the Championship is looking increasingly likely despite a recent uptick in form, as Wolves currently sit bottom of the Premier League table with just eight points from 22 matches. They are 14 points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, underlining the scale of the challenge facing the club.
Otele has impressed since joining Basel last season, scoring 17 goals and providing seven assists in 51 appearances for the reigning Swiss Super League champions. His versatility across the forward line and proven end product have made him an attractive option for clubs across Europe.
Should the move materialise, Otele would link up with fellow Nigerian Tolu Arokodare at Molineux. The Super Eagles striker joined Wolves from Genk last summer and has registered four goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions this season.
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