Wolverhampton Wanderers are ‘pretty hopeful’ of being able to keep defender Romain Saiss at the club beyond the current campaign, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The 32-year-old has been linked with a move away from Molineux in recent weeks after entering the final three months of his contract with the club.

What is the latest news involving Saiss?

According to the Daily Mail, Saiss has been offered fresh terms by Wolves, with his existing deal set to expire at the end of June.

The report states that Saiss’ representatives are hoping to earn their client a new contract that elevates him to within the ‘top bracket of earners’ at the Midlands outfit following an impressive 2021/22.

Star performers Raul Jimenez and Joao Moutinho are believed to be among those earning in excess of £100,000-per-week at Wolves, a figure that would represent a steep increase from Saiss’ £22,000-per-week wage packet at present.

However, the 60-cap Morocco international is unlikely to be short of potential suitors if the Wolves hierarchy don’t match his demands.

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French media outlet L’Equipe (via Get French Football News), claim that a return to Ligue 1 could be on the cards if Saiss and the Midlands outfit cannot reach an agreement.

It’s claimed that Marseille, Lyon, Rennes and Strasbourg are among the centre-back’s potential suitors, with Real Betis, Villarreal, Wolfsburg and ‘some Turkish clubs’ also believed to be in the running.

What has O’Rourke said about Wolves?

Despite the ongoing negotiations and the continued speculation surrounding Saiss’ future, O’Rourke is ‘sure’ that Wolves are confident of being able to retain the services of the experienced defender.

He told GiveMeSport: “I'm sure Wolves are pretty hopeful that they can get this deal agreed to keep Saiss at the club.”

How well has Saiss been performing?

The 6 foot 3 ace has started 28 Premier League games to date, forming a key part of the fourth-best defence in the top-flight on paper.

Only Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have leaked fewer goals than Wolves in the league throughout 2021/22, and that may not have been possible without Saiss.

As per WhoScored, Saiss has recorded two interceptions and 4.9 clearances per league game this season, bettering the tallies of his teammates, while also making 0.7 blocks and winning 2.4 aerial duels.

Those figures place him in the top three amongst his teammates, and therefore, Lage will surely be eager to have the Moroccan to call upon next term.