Wolves star Diogo Jota to step up recovery next week after scan

Jota picked up the knock in the New Year's Day defeat at Watford and has missed the couple of games since.

He will miss tomorrow's FA Cup third-round replay at Manchester United and Saturday's trip to Southampton too, but boss Nuno Espirito Santo had a positive update as he said: "Diogo had the scan yesterday, and next week we can look at progressing on the pitch.

"His healing process is doing OK, so, hopefully, he can start next week with us. It's important, of course."

For the short term, though, his absence does leave Wolves light in attack.

Patrick Cutrone has been allowed to leave this month and Nuno has made it clear he wants fresh faces.

At least one attacker is the priority, and when asked if things are any further along, he said: "I hope so, yes.

"But it's very difficult for all of the clubs. It is a transfer window that isn't the best one.

"Many players are involved in their teams, sometimes you want a target and it's not available. He's playing for his own team.

"Sometimes you want things to move faster than they move, so it's a tough moment. But we are working on it. It's up to us to find the right deal. I'm confident."

Nuno went on to say there have been no enquiries for any of Wolves' top stars – and they would not be leaving anyway.

The club have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid's Thomas Lemar, but it is understood he is not on the radar.

"There's a lot of rumours. Most of them are not true. I don't speak about players that are not in our squad," said Nuno.

Nuno's main focus is the replay at Old Trafford tomorrow night.

If Wolves win, they will have to wait a bit to find out their fourth-round opponents as Tranmere's replay against Watford – which was set to take place tonight – has been postponed.

On United, Nuno added: "It's the most important. The next one's always the most important."