Things are looking up for Wolverhampton Wanderers. With deadline day approaching, they look set to keep hold of Jorgen Strand Larsen and have now reportedly set their sights on a new midfield target.
Wolves' late transfer plans
Despite already signing Fer Lopez, Ladislav Krejci, Jhon Arias, Jackson Tchatchoua and David Miller Wolfe this summer, Wolves are still reportedly eyeing a late spending spree. With Fabio Silva on his way to Borussia Dortmund, there's suddenly space in Vitor Pereira's side for another attacking reinforcement and, as such, Tolu Arokodare has emerged as a serious option.
Whether Newcastle United's decision to pursue Nick Woltemade instead of Strand Larsen changes the urgency of those in the Midlands is the question that needs answering, but reports have always indicated that Arokodare is seen as a replacement for Silva and not for the Norwegian.
In an ideal world, by the time the deadline passes, Wolves will have two very talented strikers at their disposal and ready to fire Pereira's side to Premier League safety.
The manager recently had his say on Strand Larsen and will be among those relieved that Newcastle decided to look elsewhere. He told reporters following Wolves' 3-2 Carabao Cup win against West Ham United in midweek: "If it's my decision, of course [Strand-Larsen stays]. Of course. Because he's a very important player. It's not only about the technical and tactical, it's about the character. He's a player with character."
Meanwhile, it's not just the striker department that could receive a major boost before the end of the transfer window. Reports are now suggesting that Wolves are eyeing a last-gasp midfield move.
Wolves submit Hackney offer
According to Football League World, Wolves have now submitted a bid worth £30m to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough. The Championship star has been linked with a move away from the club all summer long, with interest from Ipswich Town and Wolves' rivals, West Bromwich Albion emerging.
hayden-hackney-middlesbrough
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough.
Now, it could be Wolves who secure his signature in what would be a deserved move. The 23-year-old has enjoyed an impressive rise at Boro and, in truth, has had the quality to step into the Premier League for at least two seasons. Compared to both Andre and Joao Gomes, it's clear that Hackney would push all the way for a starting place at Molineux.
League stats 24/25 Andre Gomes Hackney
Minutes 2,472 2,974 3,792
Progressive Passes 109 165 440
Tackles Won 55 71 56
Ball Recoveries 194 200 281
Described as "excellent" earlier this season by manager Rob Edwards, Hackeny has simply picked up where he left off in the last campaign. The midfield star is an incredibly talented ball progressor and combines that ability with his knack for winning possession back for his side - two traits that could make all the difference for Wolves in their bid to survive.