Wolverhampton Wanderers are in talks with Stoke City about a possible loan deal for defender Moritz Bauer, according to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett.

They are apparently looking for cover for Matt Doherty and have targeted the Austrian as part of their January transfer plans. He hasn't played for Stoke since September, making this one of the more eyebrow-raising news reports of the day.

The 26-year-old signed for the Potters from Rubin Kazan last January, but was unable to prevent them from slipping out of the Premier League.

He's seen three managers at the club, surviving Paul Lambert and Gary Rowett before Nathan Jones' appointment last week.

He's started just 17 matches since his move to the bet365 Stadium, but just two of those starts have come in this season's Championship.

The right back has also been capped five times by his country and has experienced Champions League football whilst with Grasshopper Zurich.

Wolves are currently 11th in the Premier League after winning the Championship title last time out.

The Verdict

This is why we love the transfer window, these swoops that come out of nowhere at all. Bauer is a decent full back who hasn't been given a fair crack of the whip this season, but to earn a Premier League move after barely playing in the Championship would be a surprise.

He's a decent player though and would do a job for Wolves, not a spectacular one, but a steady and committed one.