Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing to enter the January transfer window while languishing at the bottom of the Premier League, having secured only three points from 19 matches.

Despite this dismal performance record, there is a silver lining as the team is showing signs of improvement under the guidance of their new manager, Rob Edwards. Recently, the Wolves managed to earn a point at Old Trafford and came close to achieving similar outcomes at the Emirates and Anfield earlier in December.

In an analysis for Daily Mail Sport, Wolves specialist Tom Collomosse evaluates potential transfers into and out of Molineux, as well as assessing the performances of this season’s summer signings.

While the acquisition of stars like Thibaut Courtois, Pedri, and Kylian Mbappe remains a far-fetched dream, Wolves must focus on strategic planning for their future.

Recognizing an inevitable drop to the Championship, the team is likely to pursue players who can contribute to a strong promotion bid in the upcoming season.

Successfully signing such players would not only enhance their prospects for next season but also bolster the current squad, underscoring the shortcomings of their last transfer window.

Do they have money to spend?

Wolves have managed their finances carefully and have no immediate problems with Premier League spending rules. When Edwards was hired, it was made clear that he would have some funds to reshape the squad in January. 

Wolves will also consider selling those players who would be unlikely to stay after relegation, given their transfer values will fall once Wolves are officially a Championship club.

When Rob Edwards was hired by Wolves, it was made clear that he would have some funds to reshape the squad in January

Who are they targeting? 

Last summer, Wolves opted not to register interest in three Premier League-ready players – Kyle Walker-Peters, David Brooks and Harry Wilson. The decision looked bizarre then and is staggering now.

These days Wilson is well out of reach and so, probably, are the other two, though Walker-Peters has struggled for regular playing time at West Ham. 

Wolves are likely to target homegrown players as they need to boost that quota. 

Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney is another player they admire though the England Under 21s international may have better options in the summer.

Hayden Hackney is a player Wolves admire though the England Under 21s international may have better options in the summer

Kyle Walker-Peters has struggled for regular playing time at West Ham so could be an option for Wolves

How have their summer signings fared so far? 

Ladislav Krejci and Tolu Arokodare deserve a pass mark. The rest have looked short. 

Jhon Arias was signed to reproduce Matheus Cunha’s flair and creativity but has done anything but. 

Jackson Tchatchoua looks a fish out of water and though David Moller Wolfe is growing into the left wing-back role, he is no Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Fer Lopez has talent yet with so few professional appearances behind him, it remains mind-boggling that Wolves were prepared to pay £20million to LaLiga club Celta Vigo to bring him to Molineux last summer.

Don’t be surprised if Wolves listen to offers for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen

Brazilian midfield pair Andre and Joao Gomes have interest in their homeland, as well as in Europe

And who might leave?

Don’t be surprised if Wolves listen to offers for at least one of those few players who still have a market.

Brazilian midfield pair Andre and Joao Gomes have interest in their homeland, as well as in Europe. 

Despite his poor form this season, Jorgen Strand Larsen proved last term that he can score goals in the Premier League and may be an attractive option for a club like West Ham, who are in desperate need of attacking options to turn around their season.