da casino： The signing of Mike Williamson from Newcastle United recently exemplified the use of the loan market, with Wolves securing the services of a Premier League defender on a short term basis in order to help them through a difficult spell. Not a bad deal for all parties involved.
da dobrowin： Kenny Jackett’s side also brought in Grant Holt until January, in order to round the squad out as the Championship campaign approaches its most gruelling period – the winter months. However, the Wanderers chief recently revealed that he believes his somewhat inconsistent side ‘lacked creative energy’, as they struggle to string together a playoff push.
Though eight points above the drop zone, the season has appeared to be rather flat at times. Despite Benik Afobe’s exploits in front of goal, the consistency and imagination in order to truly challenge in the top spots of the league hasn’t been there often enough for the Molineux outfit.
With that in mind, here are FIVE Premier League loans Wolves should still consider in January in order to spark their season alight…
ALEX PRITCHARD – TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
The 22-year-old has reportedly been told he can leave Spurs on loan in January, and impressed while on loan at Brentford last term. The England U21 ace can’t get a look into the first-team at White Hart Lane, and could provide the necessary creative energy in Wolves’ engine room.
A skilful attacker, Pritchard excels as a central playmaker, and has an eye for a goal or a key pass in equal measure. Scheming behind Benik Afobe or Adam Le Fondre, Jackett could deploy a potentially mouth-watering partnership.
IVAN TONEY – NEWCASTLE UNITED
Despite only joining Newcastle in the summer, Ivan Toney is reportedly on the verge of leaving the North East as the club are keen for him to gain some first-team experience.
The former Northampton striker is highly rated by the Magpies, and recently won the Premier League’s U21 Player of the Month award. The 19-year-old could relish the chance to play week in, week out and a loan away could be good for all parties.
A pacey finisher, the teen could ease some of the burden on Afobe and offer an alternative to both Holt and Le Fondre.
JOSH CULLEN – WEST HAM UNITED
With the apparent lack of energy in mind, a move for industrious West Ham midfielder Josh Cullen could well be a welcome tonic.
The 19-year-old has appeared in both the Premier League and Europa League this season, as well as representing the Republic of Ireland at under-21 level – some pedigree.
He would provide industry and energy in midfield, and clearly possess some genuine class.
HARRISON REED – SOUTHAMPTON
Another for the engine room now. Despite breaking into the first team last season, putting in some assured performances, Harrison Reed has found himself on the bench more often than not this term.
Presumably, not through much fault of his own – the Saints are just assembling a top class Premier League side. The tenacious 20-year-old would certainly add energy and drive to the midfield, along with some top class passing.
Should he be available, his capture could be quite the coup considering he was turning out decent Premier League performances only last year and still has a lot to improve on.
SYLVAIN MARVEAUX – NEWCASTLE
If Joe Cole can sign for Coventry, literally anything can happen. Literally anything.
The Frenchman hasn’t really settled in at Newcastle in the verging on four years he’s been at the club. However, he is still a fine player with an uncanny ability to pop up with a goal or an assist.
Would provide genuine quality in the pockets between the opposition midfield and defence, something Jackett has struggled to find this year.