Wolverhampton Wanderers could now have been handed a potential boost in their hopes of landing Michail Antonio from West Ham United.

What's the latest?

It has been reported Julen Lopetegui has identified the West Ham striker as a potential option to improve Wolves' frontline in this January's transfer window.

This comes following the Wanderers already adding the Brazilian forward, Matheus Cunha, to their side this month following the arrival of Lopetegui late last year.

But with Wolves struggling thus far in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, it seems as if this transfer window is viewed as a huge part in their season which they need to use to boost their hopes of survival.

Interestingly, the West Ham man, who has been hailed as an "inspiration", shares the same agency as Wolves backup goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.

And speaking on TalkSport on Wednesday morning, journalist Alex Crook has claimed Lopetegui is a big fan of the Jamaican striker and feels he could bring Wolves some much-needed goals:

"I'm told the player himself possibly is open to a new challenge. I think his contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but he's got a year's option at the end of that, so he's effectively into the last 18 months of his deal. And Wolverhampton Wanderers would be keen if he was made available."

Dealing with competitors

Wolves have struggled this season which is evident from their spot in the table as they sit just one place and two points above the bottom.

And their struggles have stemmed from their form in front of goal with Wolves currently the side to have scored the least number of goals so far this season.

Having only found the back of the net 11 times in 18 league games, it is apparent they need to add quality up top this month if they hope to claw their way outside of the relegation zone.

The signing of Diego Costa has not been a success with the Spaniard having been awarded more red cards so far this season than he has scored goals (via Transfermarkt).

And when your top scorer has just four goals to his name at this point of the season, it is apparent there is an issue.

However, in Antonio, Wolves would not be signing a player who is bang in form with the 32-year-old only finding the back of the net twice in his 17 league appearances this season (via Transfermarkt).

The Jamaican has been pushed out of the starting XI on a regular basis by Italian striker Gianluca Scamacca, however, he has previously provided double-figure returns in his last three Premier League seasons.

But then comes the question, why would West Ham deal with Wolves this month and potentially strengthen a side who is sitting just one point behind them in the relegation battle?