This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more... 

Wolves’ January transfer plans have really ramped up in recent weeks. A move for Ruben Dias has again been touted (O Jogo, via Sport Witness) while there is also the possibility of signing goalkeeper Jose Sa as well.

However, one link that appeared over the weekend was for Portuguese defender Aurelio Buta of Royal Antwerp in Belgium.

According to The Sunday Mirror (print edition, 17th November), a loan move is edging closer as Nuno Santo looks to bolster his ranks for the second part of the campaign.

On the chalkboard

With Adama Traore playing further forward again, Wolves could well be light at right-back and right-wing back.

Matt Doherty has struggled to replicate his impressive 2018/19 season, largely because of injury and as a result, he has started just eight times in the top-flight.

A full-back by trade, Buta would add a much-needed body in this third of the pitch. However, given his attacking nature, he’d be absolutely ideal for Nuno’s system.

He’s claimed three assists and scored once in 2019/20, demonstrating traits that he’s developed while also playing as a right wing-back and also as a right-winger during his career too.

The 22-year-old is a promising player who initially came through Benfica’s academy but he was never afforded a chance to prove himself. In the Jupiler League, however, the £2.7m-rated defender has shown how capable he is in forward areas, something that suggests he could fit the 3-4-3 and 5-4-1 formations Wolves are playing with like a glove.

Doherty has scored just the one goal so far this term and his attacking qualities have been severely down on what he registered last season. Last campaign the 27-year-old averaged one key pass per game but that now sits at just 0.4.

Failing to register an assist, a move for the attacking Buta could be extremely timely.

With The Sunday Mirror citing an option to buy being included in the deal, this isn’t just one for the short-term.