Wolves defender in demand across Europe as club decides whether to keep or sell

Wolves have been receiving inquiries from all over Europe as they weigh up the future of their left-sided defender Ryan Giles.

The 23 year old, from Telford, has just finished a hugely successful season on loan at Middlesbrough where his 11 assists helped Michael Carrick’s team into the Championship play-offs.

The loan also proved Giles’ versatility as he was converted from left-wing back to a left back by Carrick, but still managed to be an important part of his team’s attacking game.

Giles, who has come through the Wolves youth system, is under contract until 2025 so the club would be in a strong position if they do decide to sell. Wolves need to balance the books this summer to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations and are well stocked at left back with Hugo Bueno and Rayan Ait-Nouri hoping for a chance, and centre half Toti impressing having been deployed on the left by Julen Lopetegui in the final stages of the season.

So, an offer for Giles could be tempting, but that has to be balanced by the fact the youngster has proved himself as one of the most effective players in the Championship so could make the step up.

Although Giles has only made one senior Wolves appearance, in an FA Cup tie against Shrewsbury in 2019, he has more than 150 first-team games under his belt thanks to loans at Telford, Shrewsbury, Coventry, Rotherham, Cardiff, Blackburn and now Middlesbrough.

Matt Jackson, Wolves’ strategic player marketing manager, who oversees players out on loan, told the Athletic: “We get calls from all over Europe about him. A lot of times, clubs play 4-3-3 and they want to play him in either of the wide positions in that formation. Teams playing old-fashioned wingers definitely covet him as well.

“He’s proven he has the strength to play as a wing-back, which is not easy. We’ve seen him play as a winger at Cardiff and as a full-back at Middlesbrough and be more productive at Middlesbrough, so it’s not really about the position — it’s about the way the lads are encouraged to play within the system.

“This was his eighth loan and he has improved something in his game in each of them. He thinks about the game. You shouldn’t have favourites (in my job) but he is one of my favourites, because he’s funny and personable and the fact he has fitted into every changing room and we’ve never heard one word of discontent speaks volumes about him.

“He’s a great character, and he’s going to have a great future in the game.”

What should Wolves do with Ryan Giles? Have your say here

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