Wolverhampton Wanderers have entered a new era, with Julen Lopetegui's recent arrival as head coach set to to be trailed by a number of signings to contribute toward the ascension back up the Premier League table.

And with the January transfer window now officially opening its doors, one player that could don the old gold shirt is Real Madrid's perennial defender Nacho Fernandez, with reports stating that Wolves are considering a move.

With the 32-year-old Spaniard's contract set for expiry at the end of the current campaign, Wolves could wait until next season to place him into the fray, but owner Jeff Shi could act with swift conviction to draw the player to Molineux this winter on a cut-price deal, bolstering the squad as it looks to stave off the concerns of relegation.

Indeed, the Midlands outfit languish in 19th place after 17 matches played, although there is plenty of optimism following Lopetegui's appointment, with the 56-year-old instilling his authority and vision, claiming a massive late winner at Goodison Park on his first outing with Wolves, defeating Everton 2-1.

Next Diego Carlos

Nacho might now be approaching the twilight stage of his career, but his leadership and experience at the very top level could be invaluable in the fight against the drop, and then looking towards greener pastures in the future and a return to prominence in the division next year.

With those leader-like qualities in mind, he could well become Lopetegui's next Diego Carlos, with the Brazilian Aston Villa centre-back once playing 136 appearances under his tutelage, winning the Europa League with Sevilla.

Nacho, while perhaps not starting on every occasion could channel every ounce of his winning mentality and continental experience, something Carlos also possesses in abundance, to dictate the flow of the enemy attack and direct his teammates to areas that will best breed success, rebuffing the offensive manoeuvres and preventing the net from bulging.

And having made 286 appearances for Los Blancos across his one-club career, Nacho has adopted a utility role throughout the entirety of his stay, but has been "impressive" - as hailed by Spanish football expert Terry Gibson - throughout.

It's also worth noting that the club have lost the experienced triad of defensive forces in Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Romain Saiss this summer, with the established centre-back pairing this term of Nathan Collins and Max Kilman 21-years-old and 25-years-old respectively. Thus, some older heads could well be required in order to turn the corner in 2023.

Before he draws the curtain, Nacho might want to test his mettle in the Premier League, and Wolves could present him with a sterling opportunity to leave his mark on a club that could welcome his veteran expertise.