Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Bruno Lage has reiterated that he requires another centre-back as soon as possible.
The Portuguese was responding to questions about the future of Willy Boly, who is allegedly available for transfer having failed to feature in the Premier League this season.
While Boly is currently nursing a calf injury, he has suffered a range of fitness issues over the past year, resulting in him losing his place in the team.
Although Lage did not go as far as saying that he was prepared to sell Boly in January, he admitted that he wanted reliable backup for his first-choice back three.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, as quoted by The Athletic, Lage said: "This situation is not good for me, for Boly or the club. Every time he comes and goes and comes and goes.
"Sometimes he has some muscular questions, sometimes he doesn't feel comfortable with that. He can feel ready to play and starts training, then has a little pain and he prefers to stop, treat and recover. It's important to feel ready, confident and without any questions to play.
"He's recovering. I saw Boly yesterday training, just running. It was good for him to remain with us and not go with his national team (to the Africa Cup of Nations).
"He was important in the past and I hope he can be important to help the team to be better. For now, we need a centre-back as soon as possible."
Boly, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, last appeared for Wolves in an EFL Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur in September.
Darren Plant
