Wolves aiming to sign Jeremy Helan

It is understood the clubs have agreed a fee for the 21-year-old and he has held talks at Compton. But Wolves face competition from Sheffield Wednesday and other Championship clubs to land the young Frenchman.

And Wolves, wary of Luke Murphy's decision to sign for Leeds ahead of them, are anxious not to jump the gun.

Head coach Kenny Jackett wants to bolster the left flank after the departures of Stephen Hunt and Adam Hammill, the transfer-listing of Stephen Ward and the expected departure of Bakary Sako.

He has been linked with a move for Newcastle's Shane Ferguson, who like Helan, can play left-back or left midfield.

Asked about Helan, Jackett stopped short of confirming interest in the player. But sources have confirmed Helan has held talks with Wolves.

Jackett said: "We are looking at the squad and it's right and proper that we do so. We're trying to improve it and cover all eventualities and ensure we have a squad that's balanced and can sustain injuries over a period of time without too many changes.

"We're looking to improve the squad but I don't think there will be a high amount of numbers.

"The ones that do come in will be of quality rather than of quantity, but I don't want to comment on any individual players because it's unprofessional, and they're other teams' players – I don't like people doing that about my players."

Signed from France's widely acclaimed Clarefontaine academy in February 2009, Helan arrived at City as a hot prospect.

He has since found it difficult to break through the multi-million pound array of talent at the Etihad Stadium however, making just one League Cup appearance last season.

But he has had experience at Wednesday, playing 28 games on loan in two spells last season after a month at Shrewsbury.