Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed an incredible start to the season, and Nuno Santo’s men lie at the summit of the division following the opening sixteen rounds of league fixtures.

The Portuguese boss worked well in the summer to bring a plethora of top talent into the club, and the way in which the former Porto boss has been able to integrate his new foreign stars into the squad has been nothing short of remarkable.

Star performers have emerged across the team, and the club have to be firm favourites for a Premier League return, with few teams looking able to challenge the might of the Molineux outfit this semester.

January could be another big month for Santo, with the winter transfer window open for business, and funds expected to be available following huge investment from Chinese owners, the Fosun Group.

Santo could be busy, and should target these three players on permanent deals…

 

Leo Bonatini

Why would Santo look elsewhere when he already has the best striker in the division on his books?

The only downside to Bonatini is that the Brazilian is only at the club on a season-long loan deal, and the club must do everything they can in January to convince parent club Al-Hilal to part with the 23-year-old on a permanent basis.

Ten goals so far in the league this season, and fresh off the back of a Player of the Month award, Bonatini is in the form of his life, and Santo must move to assure Bonatini’s presence at Molineux for many years to come.

At the very least, the club will turn a very tidy profit on the player when Europe’s elite eventually come calling.

 

Benik Afobe

Leo Bonatini has been fantastic, but he is the only recognised senior striker at the club as it stands, and an injury to the player could throw Wolves’ season into jeopardy.

Santo needs another top class striker at his disposal, and former Wolves favourite Afobe could be the perfect man for the job.

The player isn’t getting too many opportunities at Bournemouth, with Jermain Defoe and now Callum Wilson ahead of him in the pecking order, so a switch to Molineux could be on.

 

Diogo Jota

The same situation as Bonatini - why would Santo look elsewhere when he already has the Championship’s best winger?

If Santo can convince Atletico Madrid to part ways on a permanent basis with 20-year-old Jota, then he needs to bite their hand off.

Jota is a sensational young talent with bags of ability and further potential, and should he become available on a permanent basis on January, Santo must chase his signature to the ends of the earth.

Jota is a Premier League standard player, and a forward-thinking Santo will certainly be preparing for the future in his mind.