The January window is around the corner, and Wolves have already begun being linked with multiple players.
It is an important window for Rob Edwards, and his first as Wolves boss. He will want to give the club the best chance at gaining as many points as possible.
While for many, the idea of relegation seems guaranteed, there is still some pride left to play for.
And there are more negotiating tactics the club can use with it being a World Cup year.
At Molineux News, we are grading some of the more prominent transfer rumours based on how much of an improvement they would be for this Wolves side.
How should Wolves approach the January window?
Grading Wolves’ rumoured January targets
James Trafford
Wolves have been linked with multiple goalkeepers, and James Trafford has been a prominent name among reports.
The Englishman wants game time, the Old Gold need homegrown players, and he would improve their options.
It seems to be a win-win all around. However, Guardiola is reportedly reluctant to let him leave, with Stefan Ortega more likely the man to depart the Etihad.
However, a loan deal, if Trafford truly pushes, could still be on the cards.
- Improvement: A
James Trafford was absolutely brilliant for Burnley last season, but is he the signing Wolves need in January?⌛
Christos Mandas
The Lazio goalkeeper is another that has been on Wolves’ radar, and he has been for quite some time. Moves were made in the summer to try to snap the Greek up, but the Italian club rejected every incoming offer.
However, now they are willing to listen to bids as low as £6 million.
In a recent interview, Mandas insisted he is content with his situation, but that may have been a case of not wanting to cause public issues.
He will no doubt be unhappy with his lack of minutes this season, and while relegation looks likely, Wolves can at least provide him that.
- Improvement: B+
Patrick Mercado
Independiente del Valle’s club president confirmed Patrik Mercado could leave in January, and that after prominent links with a move to Molineux had surfaced.
Reports from local journalists said a deal was ‘practically finalised’, but everything since has gone quiet.
However, in order for Mercado to join the Old Gold, a player would have to be sold due to the homegrown and foreign player quotas.
The young talent certainly offers excitement, fitting the mould of the Matheus Cunha style of player. Out of all the players linked, his have seemed the strongest.
Although the risk of him struggling to adapt like Jhon Arias is there.
- Improvement: C
Troy Parrott
Links to Troy Parrott date back to the summer, but then the Irishman was not looking to leave the Eredivisie.
Ever since, the striker has risen to more prominence, particularly due to his heroics for his national team.
However, he has been making a name for himself for AZ Alkmaar as well. Wolves do have a card up their sleeve in the race for the former Tottenham prospect, as Rob Edwards shares the same agent.
There are multiple other sides looking at the forward, including his former side, Spurs, with Everton in the mix too, and with those sides in better positions in the Premier League, this deal would be hard to pull off.
However, if Jorgen Strand Larsen is sold with Crystal Palace watching him, the Wanderers could have the funds to outbid.
- Improvement: A+
Matias Fernandez-Pardo
Matias Fernandez-Pardo has been a recent link for Wolves ahead of January.
A forward signing does seem to be on the cards for the Old Gold, as their goalscoring and creativity issues have been one of the bigger problems this season.
Fernandez-Pardo is similar to Pedro Neto, who was never truly replaced at Molineux, and that sort of dynamic winger would be welcomed.
Out of 10, how would you rate the potential signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo?
His data this season looks eerily similar to Pedro Neto's…
However, at 20 years old, and with just a few years at the top level, he would be a signing for the future rather than an instant impact, which is what was needed.
But he is also the style of player Edwards could do with.
- Improvement: C+
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