Wolves preparing to 'list on the market' as FFP concerns loom large

The Old Gold have had to spend sparingly over recent transfer windows to avoid sanctions from the Premier League, giving head coach Gary O’Neil very little freedom to stamp his own mark on the squad.

Sun Sport reports Wolves have hired a US bank - Moelis & Company - to seek investment. Fosun International, Wanderers’ owners, want to remain  heavily involved in the running of the football club but are willing to sell a small percentage to raise funds.

Any stakes sold will add to O’Neil’s transfer budget while also helping the overall FFP situation. Letting big name players is another method being explored, with star winger Pedro Neto reportedly allowed to leave if a bid of £60 million is received.

Wolves aren’t the only Premier League club searching for investment as Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Everton have all hired advisers from Rothschild & Co to acquire cash. Crystal Palace’s co-owner John Textor, meanwhile, is hoping to sell 45 per cent of his stake of the Eagles.

Wolves and Aston Villa in a similar boat

Local rivals Aston Villa are also struggling with financial rules, albeit a different set. The Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations are causing issues with Unai Emery’s side having to sell the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran just to avoid sanctions.

Swap deals is another avenue being explored to spread salary and transfer payments over several years. Luiz is closing on a move to Juventus, for instance, with Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Junior expected to move in the other direction.