Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez says he would like to leave the club on loan this summer, following links with Wolves earlier in the transfer window.
It was reported by The Times at the end of last month that Wolves were considering a move for Nunez, and it now seems as though the centre back could be open to a summer departure from Bilbao.
Having made just 20 league appearances last season, before failing to feature in Bilbao’s opening day defeat at Granada over the weekend, Nunez appears to be concerned about his lack of game time at the club, after missing out on a call up to the Spain squad for the international break at the start of the month.
Speaking to AS about his current situation at Bilbao, said: “That is what worries me the most right now.
“At 23 years old, what I need is to play many games, many minutes, to continue progressing as a player and achieve my best performance.
“The message [from Athletic boss Gaizka Garitano] is that, right now, I am third-choice centre-back.”
Despite that it seems Nunez is in no mood to draw a line on his time at the San Mames just yet, with the defender making it clear that he prefers the prospect of a temporary move at this moment in time, as he added: “Let it be clear. I want to renew [my contract) but, above all, I want to grow as a footballer and for that I need to play.
“For this reason, and because I believe the best thing for everyone, my main condition for renewing is the club loans me to a team in which I would be a protagonist.
“I think the best thing, what I need now, is to leave on loan and have continuity before returning in a year as a better footballer.”
You do feel this is something that ought to be given some consideration by Wolves at the very least.
Nunez experience with Bilbao and Spain demonstrate the potential and ability he has, meaning he could well be a reliable option for Wolves were they to bring him to Molineux this summer.
It does seem as though that is a deal that Nunez could be open to this summer, albeit on loan rather than permanently.
However, it is worth noting that the defender has made it clear he would want game time if he moves, and you wonder he would be able to usurp the likes of Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Romain Saiss at the heart of the defence, particularly if he is not going to be long-term option for the club.
