Mel Eves: Wolves' midfield needs strengthening in next window

Ruben Neves is now tied with Pedro Neto as the top scorer for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side this season, with five goals.

But Joao Moutinho has just one while Leander Dendoncker and youngster Owen Otasowie are goalless, and Eves – who made 214 appearances and netted 53 times for Wolves – feels that is an area for improvement.

“They certainly need options. Young Owen is a good player with potential, and it has been nice to see Neves getting forward and scoring goals in the opposition box,” he said.

“He scored a brilliant goal at Newcastle, which was a proper header.

“But that is one area I feel we need to improve on, score more goals from midfield and have more penetration.

“You’ve got hopefully Raul Jimenez coming back at full speed – and maybe playing a part this season – but the big thing is having more options and attacking midfielders who can score more goals.

“Moutinho is a class player but isn’t someone who scores regularly.

“Dendoncker has threatened to score when he’s played in midfield, but an out-and-out attacking type would go down a treat.”

Eves believes even if the search for an attacking midfielder does not prove successful, a more defensive type could prove valuable – allowing Neves to have greater licence to surge forward and become a more regular scorer.

“The other option is having a really good defensive midfield player,” he added.

“You look at Abdoulaye Doucoure who did well at Watford and has gone on to impress at Everton. Perhaps someone of that mould.

“That would allow Neves to get forward more, with someone who’s got the energy and the know-how to cover for him.”