Premier League basement side Wolves have set their sights on several January transfer targets as they look to retain their top flight status.
Wolves remain winless and at the bottom of the English top flight table after 11 games, and following the dismissal of Vitor Pereira, Rob Edwards has taken the reins at Molineux.
Pereira was sacked off the back of a thumping 3-0 defeat by Chelsea prior to the internationals – their fifth straight loss across all competitions and second consecutive three goal loss.
Former Luton and Middlesbrough boss Edwards has since taken charge and has a major job on his hands to turn their season around, as they sit eight points adrift of safety.
The Old Gold return to action on Saturday afternoon at home against Crystal Palace.
Following that, they travel to Aston Villa and host Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.
Edwards will be aiming to put his stamp on the team and accumulate some much-needed points across these fixtures before he can strengthen his squad in the January transfer window.
Wolves summer target Emil Holm is breaking records in the Serie A, but after failing to seal his signature, the Old Gold have set their sights on some new transfer targets this winter.
Wolves Transfer Targets That Could Save Their Season
Dwight McNeil (Everton)
Everton winger Dwight McNeil has fallen out-of-favour under David Moyes on Merseyside.
This has reportedly drawn the attention of Wolves, who are interested in the Englishman.
It has been suggested that the Molineux club may look at signing a player with Premier League experience on a short-term deal, and with McNeil struggling for minutes, he fits the bill.
The 25-year-old joined the Toffees from Burnley for a fee reportedly in the region of £20m in 2022, and despite shining at times, he has managed just 51 minutes in the league this term.
Pacey, technical and a threat in the final third, if Wolves were able to get the best out of the 10-time England U21 international, he’d certainly add another dimension to their squad.
Reports suggest that the West Midlands outfit will explore both a loan and a permanent deal.
Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)
Another wantaway Premier League star Wolves are said to be looking at is Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips has made just one appearance for Manchester City this term, featuring for seven minutes in their EFL Cup win over Huddersfield, following on from his loan at Ipswich last season.
During his time with the Tractor Boys, who were relegated to the Championship at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, he made 22 appearances in all competitions and scored just once.
He was linked with a permanent move away from the Etihad in the summer, however an injury derailed interest from potential suitors and scuppered any chances of a transfer.
One of those potential suitors was reportedly the Old Gold. Now that he has regained his fitness, they may now reignite their interest in the 31-time senior England international.
Similarly to McNeil, reports suggest that Wolves will explore both a loan and a permanent deal.
Although he has undoubtedly underwhelmed in recent years, if he is able to rediscover the form he once displayed for the Three Lions and Leeds, he’d be a strong option for Edwards.
Patrik Mercado (Independiente del Valle)
Another midfield option that looks more realistic is Ecuador international Patrik Mercado.
He was linked with a move to Molineux while Pereira was in charge, and although the Brazilian has since departed, reports suggest that he’s set to become Edwards’ first new signing.
The 22-year-old, who is typically deployed in central midfield or defensive midfield, has been key for Independiente del Valle this season, as they sit 12 points clear at the top of the league.
Across all competitions, he has made 45 appearances, registering seven goals and 11 assists. The exciting youngster has been dubbed one of Ecuador’s most promising talents.
Mercado is expected to join in a deal worth just over £5m.
Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid)
Perhaps a rogue option to sort their issues in attack is Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia.
The 21-year-old shone for Los Blancos at the Club World Cup in the summer, picking up the Top Goal Scorer award with four goals and being named in the Team of the Tournament.
He was rewarded with a new contract until 2030 off the back of his impressive exploits in the United States, and he has since become a permanent member of Xabi Alonso’s first team.
Given the quality of Real’s squad though, he has found minutes hard to come by. Across all competitions, Garcia has managed only 108 minutes and has registered just one assist.
His lack of game time has alerted several Premier League sides. Aston Villa, Sunderland and Brighton are all reported as potential suitors alongside bottom-of-the-table Wolves.
They’re set to face stiff competition for his signature, but he’d be a real coup if they pull it off.
It has been suggested that the interested parties are looking to pay in the region of €20m (£17.6m) for the in-demand Spain U21 international striker.
Christos Mandas (Lazio)
Another area of concern for the Old Gold is in between the sticks.
Jose Sa was Wolves’ first-choice stopper at the start of the season, but following a string of underwhelming performances, the Portugal international was replaced by Sam Johnstone.
Although the Englishman has certainly been an improvement on his predecessor, reports suggest that Molineux chiefs are keen on bringing in a new goalkeeper for the rest of the season.
Greece international Christos Mandas could be the answer to their prayers.
The 24-year-old is reportedly unhappy playing second fiddle to Ivan Provedel at Lazio, and Italian media claim that Wolves are keen on signing him on loan with an option to buy.
However, the Serie A club are said to be unhappy with these conditions. They would prefer to part ways with Mandas permanently for around €8-9m (£7-8m) this winter.
