Atletico Madrid are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Hugo Bueno.
On the back of their early exit from Europe this campaign, the Spanish giants have embarked on a period of transition.
The Colchoneros complemented three departures with two arrivals during the January window, signing Memphis Depay and Matt Doherty from Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur respectively.
However, further alterations are expected during the summer with only one of Diego Simeone's first-team squad - Pablo Barrios - being below the age of 23.
According to AS, Atletico have identified Bueno as a potential transfer target.
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At the beginning of 2022-23, the left-sided player was not regarded as a first-team option by then-boss Bruno Lage, instead having to focus on game time with the Under-21s.
Nevertheless, the 20-year-old was provided with his opportunity by caretaker boss Steve Davis from the middle of October onwards, and he has since gone on to make 11 starts and two substitute outings.
Bueno has also been rewarded with a new long-term contract at Molineux, one which runs until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
The Spaniard has continued to be used in the first team since the arrival of Julen Lopetegui, although he lost his place in the team for Saturday's 3-0 victory over Liverpool.
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For the time being, Bueno faces the prospect of playing second fiddle to Rayan Ait-Nouri, something which may further tempt Atletico to make a bid for his services.
Reinildo, Saul Niguez and Sergio Reguilon have been Simeone's options at left-back or left wing-back this season, but it is questionable whether either of the trio will hold down that spot in the long term.
The former is the current incumbent, but the 29-year-old has also spent time in the middle of the backline this season.
Wolves and Atletico are no strangers to doing business having recently negotiated a deal for Matheus Cunha to leave Wanda Metropolitano for English football.
Darren Plant
