Wolves considering move for Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke?

Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly identified Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke as a potential transfer target.

On Tuesday morning, Wolves confirmed that they had allowed Fabio Silva to link up with Anderlecht on a season-long loan deal.

While Hwang Hee-chan could theoretically act as competition to Raul Jimenez for a role down the middle of the attack, Bruno Lage is likely to try to bring in a fresh face.

That decision will partly be due to Wolves' dismal effort in the final third over the past two years, the West Midlands outfit among the lowest goalscorers in the top flight.

According to The Sun, Lage is giving consideration to bolstering his squad with the addition of Belgium international Benteke.

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The 31-year-old has been with Palace since 2016, a total of 35 goals being scored from 162 appearances in the top flight.

Just four strikes came from 25 league outings during 2021-22, although 14 of those appearances came from the substitutes' bench.

Benteke has just under 12 months remaining on his contract, the last extension to his terms at Selhurst Park coming in June 2021.

Palace head coach Patrick Vieira is currently well stocked for options down the middle of his attack with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Odsonne Edouard both ahead of Benteke in the pecking order.

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Furthermore, Luke Plange is now at the club after his switch from Derby County, while Jordan Ayew is capable of deputising in the centre if required.

From Wolves' perspective, Lage may wish to add a fresh aerial presence to take a certain weight of expectation off Jimenez, who sustained a fractured skull in November 2020.

While the Mexican was able to play a full part of last season, he contributed just six goals from his 34 games in the Premier League.

As it stands, Wolves have made just one first-team addition this summer with Nathan Collins arriving from Burnley in a deal worth £20.5m.