Wolverhampton Wanderers have enjoyed an excellent January transfer window, with Julen Lopetegui clearly trying to assert his own authority on the squad and signing players that fit his model.

Arrivals include Pablo Sarabia, Matheus Cunha and Joao Gomes, and coupled with the improved performances of late, the Molineux faithful have every reason to feel confident of Premier League survival this season; as at one point under Bruno Lage, the club looked in a perilous situation.

The Old Gold’s business might not be finished there, especially as the club have been linked with Sporting Lisbon midfielder Manuel Ugarte of late, and the 21-year-old could complete Lopetegui’s midfield.

Indeed, he could become the Spaniard’s next Andres Iniesta, with the former Barcelona icon having played for Lopetegui during his time as manager of the Spanish national team.

Ugarte is quiet similar to Iniesta in terms of playing style. This season, the Uruguayan has embodied the 131-cap Spain legend rather well by taking 61.2 touches on average across 16 Liga Portugal matches, while also holding a rather impressive 91% passing accuracy as he operates from the middle of the park.

Ugarte has also impressed at the defensive side of his game, making 3.5 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 0.7 clearances per match while winning 56% of his total duels. These are attributes that Iniesta had in abundance, becoming one of his generation's finest all-round midfielders.

The “midfield machine” – as Ugarte was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has certainly blossomed into one of the continent's finest talents, with FBref ranking him in the top 6% for pass completion, dribbles completed, tackles, interceptions and blocks across Europe’s top five leagues. He could be another hugely vital signing for Lopetegui if he joins the Old Gold before tonight's transfer deadline.

Wolves will be hoping to end the transfer window with a bang, and by potentially signing Ugarte, they could give the supporters something else to cheer in what has been a disappointing season so far.