Nuno ‘confident’ about pulling off Wolves’ January plans

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo has said that he is “confident” of bringing in all his desired transfer targets to the club this month.

The club are chasing a defender and a striker in the January window; Real Madrid’s Jesus Vallejo is expected to leave Molineux on loan by the end of January while Patrick Cutrone left for Fiorentina last week after only a short spell in the West Midlands.

Wolves head to Manchester United on Wednesday for their FA Cup third-round replay and Nuno is sure the club will sign reinforcements.

“I’m confident, I don’t think on ‘ifs’,” he told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“It’s very difficult for all the clubs. It’s a transfer window which isn’t the best one.

“Many players are involved in their teams. Sometimes you want a target and they are not available because they are playing.

“Sometimes you want things to move faster than they do. It’s a tough moment but we’re working on it.”

The replay at Old Trafford comes after a 0-0 draw at Molineux between the sides failed to light up, although Nuno‘s side did have the best chances to win.

Wolves have come from behind in recent weeks to get past Norwich and Manchester City and they picked up a draw with Newcastle last time out.

However, Nuno insisted that he expects more from his side.

“I take it as a negative, we should try to score first,” he said. “We should try to compete, I’m aware, everyone is aware, let’s try to do it tomorrow.”

 

 

The game at Old Trafford is also Wolves’ 38th of the season after starting their campaign in the Europa League qualifiers in July.

But Nuno – who has used just 19 players in the league this season – is proud of how his squad have handled the extra workload.

“It’s about the way they prepare themselves on a daily basis with the way they recover and compete, credit to all the players,” he said.

“It’s the most important game, the next one is always the most important.”

Wolves play Southampton on the south coast following their midweek FA Cup commitments.

Elsewhere, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has said that he could welcome back defender Eric Bailly for the weekend’s game against Liverpool, but the FA Cup tie will come too soon for the Ivory Coast international.