Wolves handed transfer blow after rival club decide against signing one of Gary O’Neil’s worst signings

Wolves are set for an important January transfer window.

Vitor Pereira’s arrival following Gary O’Neil’s recent sacking has breathed new life into the Old Gold.

Although relegation remains possible, an upturn in results has given fans reasons to feel optimistic ahead of the second half of the season.

Taking seven points from a possible nine in their last three matches, including a 2-2 draw against Spurs, Pereira’s men go into Monday’s game against Nottingham Forest as one of the country’s most in-form sides.

And with the mid-season transfer window now open, and clubs looking to reinforce their options, for Wolves, it hasn’t just been points they’ve denied Tottenham.

Sam Johnstone tipped for early Molineux exit

Injuring his ankle against Manchester City last November, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been ruled out for a significant period, and although Ange Postecoglou initially ruled out signing a replacement, Sam Johnstone emerged as an option for Spurs.

According to The Telegraph, the 31-year-old shot-stopper, who was signed by O’Neil less than six months ago, is a candidate to leave Molineux after struggling to take the number jersey from Jose Sa.

There was hope the experienced keeper could provide Sa with competition in between the sticks but that hasn’t happened. Sa’s performances earned him credit from Pereira, leading to Johnstone, who has disappointed fans, making just seven league starts this season with his last being nearly a month ago.

Consequently, despite having three-and-a-half years left on his contract, the ex-Crystal Palace man could leave the Midlands in search of more minutes.

Spurs decide against January approach for Johnstone

However, irrespective of his availability, and despite now considering bringing in a new keeper to help Fraser Forster in Vicario’s absence, according to Alasdair Gold, Spurs have opted against pursuing the struggling Johnstone.

Although rating the Wolves keeper highly, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will not sanction a move and will presumably look elsewhere as he looks to bolster Postecoglou’s defensive options.

With Johnstone’s future still undecided, Wolves fans will be hoping the uncertainty doesn’t spread negativity throughout the dressing room — especially when the side’s form has turned a corner.

Should the Preston-born keeper move on this month, Pereira has experienced duo Daniel Bentley and Tom King as back-up options.