Wolves to run rule over Patrick Cutrone first and foremost, says Nuno
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo says Wolves will assess the returning Patrick Cutrone first before deciding if a new striker is needed in this transfer window.
Italian centre forward Cutrone has surprisingly been recalled from his loan spell at Fiorentina and brought back into Nuno’s squad while Raul Jimenez recovers from surgery for a fractured skull.
Wolves were thought to be looking at him as a back-up option while looking at potential short-term attackers this month, but the situation is now the other way around.
Nuno admits the 23-year-old’s reintroduction to the squad makes a fresh face being brought in less likely.
“Yes, exactly that. Let’s assess meanwhile,” said the Portuguese, who has also recalled midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of the FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace.
“When the transfer window is open, we have to assess all the situations – even if it is the other way around.
“Who says that a club can’t knock on your door and say they want one of your players?
“You have to be ready, so this is the case. But exactly, those main decisions were based on what we need now, and let’s see.”
Whether Cutrone will feature in the third-round tie against Palace is currently unclear as Wolves are waiting to receive international clearance.
However, he has been given a squad number, No.23, and Nuno says the forward is ‘happy to rejoin’.
The former AC Milan man, who was signed in the summer of 2019 for £16million, moved to Fiorentina on loan last January with a view to a permanent move.
However, amid suggestions of a permanent deal being triggered upon a certain number of starts, he endured a frustrating time with La Viola and was mainly limited to substitute appearances.
“At first, I think he is happy to rejoin us,” said Nuno.
“We spoke to Patrick and Morgan before we assessed and decided the situation, and they were glad, happy to rejoin us. Let’s work together.
“Everybody, every day has a fresh start. It’s a new beginning, for Patrick also.
“It didn’t work out for numerous reasons before and everybody was aware what happened.
“But there was never an issue, he never had a problem, he integrated well with the squad.
“He was a good boy, so let’s work together. He is fit as he can be because he has not had too many minutes on the pitch.
“Life teaches many things and gives you good lessons.
“I am hopeful that he has had good learning moments during this bad moment for him.”
Meanwhile, Nuno has reiterated Adama Traore’s importance to Wolves and dismissed any suggestions he could move elsewhere this month.
On if he is happy with the how the Spaniard is progressing and wants to keep him, Nuno said: “Of course.
"He’s a huge player, a unique player in the world. He’s so talented, fantastic.”
Nuno also insists Traore is happy with his situation, despite being yet to agree a new contract, and has challenged the winger to keep improving as he looks for his first goal of the season.
“Yes he is, although he should do better. He’s going to play (against Palace) and should do better. A challenge for him,” added Nuno.
