With the 2022 January transfer window now open, Wolves have already made some business deals by recalling Ryan Giles from his loan deal in the Championship with Cardiff City, as well as securing the signature of midfielder Hayao Kawabe from Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club Zurich.

Despite this early transfer activity, it seems as though the Old Gold have their eye on bringing a familiar face back to Molineux this month as Bruno Lage looks to strengthen his squad.

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Wolves have submitted a bid for Tottenham Hotspur defender Matt Doherty, who left the Midlands club to join Spurs back in the 2020 summer transfer window.

During his time in north London, the Irishman has only managed to make 40 appearances across all competitions with 21 of them coming in the Premier League, which just goes to show that he hasn't been a regular figure for them.

Labelled as an "impeccable" player in terms of his defensive work by former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho, it was a different story for Doherty at Wolves regarding his playing time with a total of 302 appearances under his belt across all competitions, chipping in with 28 goals and 41 assists along the way.

Given his previous experience of playing at Wolves and the lack of game time he's had at Spurs, it could be a good move for all parties, but because of that prior association, it would also surprise and rather blow supporters away if the £74k-per-week earner comes back to Molineux this month.

After all, the club's supporters were mightily unhappy when reports of his move to Tottenham emerged a few years ago and it's clear to see why; he was an incredibly consistent performer for the club, a fan favourite who was touted to be in with a chance of being named in the 2019/20 PFA Team of the Year.

To see him return, therefore, would surely leave Wolves' adoring fans shocked at their early business in January.

That said, regular game time may not necessarily be a guarantee for the 29-year-old anymore.

Current right-wing back Nelson Semedo seems to have nailed down that position for Lage this season by making 17 Premier League appearances and earning himself an overall performance rating of 6.77/10, making him their fifth-highest rated outfield player according to WhoScored.

Either way, if Tottenham do accept Wolves' reported bid for Doherty this month and he does return to Molineux, he would still provide Lage with a solid squad option that should be able to fit into his side rather easily.

In other news: Luke Hatfield drops teasing transfer update that will leave Wolves fans thrilled - opinion