Wolves have ‘agreed a deal in principal’ to sign one of Europe’s most in-form midfielders with Jean-Ricner Bellegarde heading to the Premier League from Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg. 

It’s a common sight in football. The performances of in-demand players impacted in a very negative sense as speculation continues to swirl around their head

But, in the case of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Wolves’ interest appears to have galvanised him. These rumours coinciding with some career-best performances from a man who, at the age of 25, is proving himself worthy of a big-money move across the Channel.

Sky Sports report that Wolves have now agreed a deal with Strasbourg. Club officials are now on their way to France as the Molineux outfit look to get Bellegarde through the door before tonight’s 11pm deadline.

Wolves close in on Strasbourg’s Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

Sky do not share exactly how much Wolves can expect to pay for the one-time France U21 international. But, with his contract expiring in less than 12 months’ time, Ligue 1 reporter Nabil Djellit reports that Strasbourg will be tempted by offers in the region of £14 million.

Wolves offered around half that recently, but now appear to have settled on a fee closer to Strasbourg’s asking price.

Bellegarde, meanwhile, arrives in the Black Country after scoring twice and setting up two more goals in Strasbourg’s first three games of the new Ligue 1 season. The former Lens ace even scored a brilliant free-kick winner against Lyon.

Wolves, interestingly, wanted to sign Bellegarde’s midfield partner Habib Diarra too.

Strasbourg president Marc Keller is quick to point out, however, that Diarra will not leave in this window.

“I can confirm that we have received an official offer from Wolverhampton Wanderers for Habib Diarra. I politely refused it. Habib will not leave,” Keller tells Dernieres Nouvelles d’Alsace.

“I have said it from the start; our strategy is to build a competitive squad and plan for the future. Habib is a boy trained in the Racing Mutest Academy. He knows that he is one of the players we count on.”