How Wolves could line-up next season in the Premier League

The Portuguese manager guided Wolves to top spot of the Championship and earned a place back in the big time, ending a six-year exile from the Premier League. The last time Wanderers were in the top flight was back in 2012.

They were high flyers this season, leading the table since mid-November and produced some scintillating football ever seen in the division. They won 31 out of 47 games all season and a lot of help has not only been down to Santo, but to that of super-agent Jorge Mendes.

Both Jorge Mendes himself and Wolves insist he has no role at the club, but is the agent of Diego Jota — Both Jorge Mendes himself and Wolves insist he has no role at the club, but he is the agent of Diego Jota

The 52-year-old helped to bring in the likes of Ruben Neves on a permanent deal from Porto and Diego Jota on-loan from Atletico Madrid, who will complete a permanent move to the Black Country this summer.

But with Santo ready to splash the cash this summer and Mendes on board, how could Wolves line-up next season?

GK: Jack Butland (Stoke City)

Enter — Jack Butland has been linked with a move to Premier League new boys Wolves

Butland could become Wolves' No.1 next season after Stoke were relegated to the Championship following defeat to Crystal Palace on the final day of the season. The 25-year-old has been linked with a switch to Molineux, and he certainly fits the bill.

John Ruddy has had a fine season between the sticks, receiving the Championship Golden Glove award, but he would be expected to become second choice next season or seek a move away, with Wolves ready to spend big.

Alternative option: Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon) - Made over 460 appearances for his boyhood club and at the age of 30, would definitely provide experience.

RB: Ryan Fredericks (Fulham)

Enter capt — Ryan Fredericks has alerted a number of Premier League having impressed for Fulham in the Championship

Fredericks, like Butland, is another player who has been linked with a move to the Black Country to join Wolves when the transfer window opens this summer. Should Fulham fail to secure promotion to the Premier League for the second successive season, Fredericks would be keen on a move to the top flight and would replace Matt Doherty at right-back.

Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Tottenham, West Ham and Swansea are all said to be running the rule over the 25-year-old.

Alternative option: Matt Doherty (Wolves) - Been a consistent figure for Wanderers all season providing four goals and five assists. Only Fredericks has overshadowed him.

CB: Conor Coady (Wolves)

Conor Coady has been crucial all season and has what it takes to live up to the rigors of the Premier League

Rejected as a teenager by Liverpool, Coady will be going into his fourth season with Wolves next campaign. He has proven a formidable figure in Wolves' backline all season and played a key part since the arrival on Santo, who transformed him from a midfielder into a defender.

He is expected to continue to lead the line in the Premier League, and been a major reason why no team in the division kept more clean sheets than Wolves.

Alternative option: Eliaquim Mangala (Manchester City) - been a target for Wolves since 2016 and Santo remains keen on the Manchester City flop. It would be a chance to resurrect his career.

CB: Willy Boly (Porto)

Boly kept 19 clean sheets in 37 appearances in the heart of the defence and would be a bargain should he complete a move to the Black Country. It is believed Wolves have an option pursue a deal and they will do ahead of the new season.

The Frenchman, 27, was brought in by his former manager at Porto and hasn't looked back since his move. He's an instant hit on the field, but also off, having become a fan favourite.

Alternative option: Craig Dawson (West Brom) - relegated with the Baggies, will be looking for an escape route out of the Hawthorns. He also is vastly experienced and would be available in a cut-price deal, and is linked with a move to Santo's side.

LB: Alex Telles (Porto)

Enter cap — Alex Telles could be brought in from Santo's former club Porto at left-back

Telles is regarded as one of the most talented left-backs in Europe and has plenty of pace and skill. The 25-year-old Brazilian may have scored just four goals, but has managed a staggering 19 assists, five more than the Championship assist king Barry Douglas.

High on Wolves' wishlist, he has previously been a target for both Chelsea and Liverpool. A transfer looks highly likely and Santo is a keen admirer and could swoop for his signature.

Alternative option: Barry Douglas (Wolves) - a consistent performer, is expected continue at full-back in the Premier League, but could be seen as a backup should Wolves sign Telles. He could also challenge Andrew Robertson and Kieran Tierney for Scotland's left-back role.

CM: Ruben Neves (Wolves)

Ente — Ruben Neves raised a few eyebrows when he swapped Porto for the wet and windy West Midlands

It would probably be an understatement if one called him a revelation, but the Portuguese star has been remarkable for the club all season, with an array of wonder goals and eye-catching performances.

Arriving for a fee in the region £15.8 million from Porto last summer, the 21-year-old could be given even more freedom next campaign to showcase his talents. Liverpool are said to be keen on his services ahead of the new season, but the player has reportedly insisted his future lies with Wolves.

Alternative option: Joao Carvalho (Benfica) - another talented star which has come of the Benfica production line. Santo was previously keen on the youngster, and could go back in for him this summer.

LAM: Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Rumours have it that the 26-year-old is closing on a new deal to remain at the Emirates. The England international is keen to remain in North London, but Wolves have been long admirers of the playmaker. A player of his caliber could be persuaded with a move, should a lucrative offer be put on the table. The Midlands club have mega-money and are willing to spend it - therefore there is no question he will be a perfect fit.

Alternative option: Diego Goncalves (Benfica) - Can be used as either a forward or his favoured position on the left-wing. At 21, he has plenty of room to develop and the Portuguese news outlet Record, has previously linked him with a move.

RAM: Joe Allen (Stoke City)

Enter captio — Joe Allen could be brought in to provide an attacking threat from midfield

The 28-year-old's future is up in the air following Stoke's relegation to the Championship and Wolves are keen to acquire his services in a £20 million deal. A couple of home-grown talents wouldn't go amiss in an already packed team full of foreign stars.

The Welsh wizard could make the short trip down the M6 to Molineux and would provide experience. If a deal is done, it may see Wolves winger Ben Marshall head in the opposite direction.

Alternative option: Roman Saiss (Wolves) has been a key performer since his arrival in 2016, but should Allen arrive, he could find himself on the bench. Both are a very similar type of player, so either way it is a win-win situation.

CAM: Ivan Cavaleiro (Wolves)

Enter c — Portuguese hotshot Ivan Cavaleiro could move into a more central attacking role next season

When Cavaleiro receives the ball, you can feel the excitement and anticipation of his natural ability to beat defenders and make things happen. He has scored just nine goals in 46 appearances but is a big part of Wolves' plans moving forward.

The 25-year-old would provide cutting edge, key passes and through balls to both centre-forwards. Former Monaco star Cavaleiro will relish the opportunity in the Premier League.

Alternative option: James Maddison (Norwich) - A number of clubs including Manchester City and Arsenal are interested in his services. The 21-year-old would be a welcomed addition to the current Wolves crop and would be an impact player throughout.

CF: Diego Jota (Wolves)

Wolves' top goalscorer with 17 goals in the Championship, the on-loan Atletico Madrid forward is set to sign for the Black Country club on a permanent basis this summer and could spearhead their attack in the Premier League next season.

A client of Jorge Mendes, he can play on the left side not just as a center-forward. What a season he has had.

Alternative option: Leo Bonatini (Wolves) - The 24-year-old spent the season on-loan from Al-Hilal and Wolves could make the permanent having had a fine campaign score 12 goals. Definitely has what it takes to step up a level.

CF: Andre Silva (AC Milan)

Wolves would have to fork out a hefty fee should they secure the services of the AC Milan forward. They are said to be keen on his signature, and with Santo having previously worked with him at Porto, he could persuade the 22-year-old to join his revolution.

Silva has made 39 appearances all season, scoring just 10 goals. It is clear the player needs a fresh start and could really hit off should he decide to swap the San Siro for Molineux.

Alternative option: Benik Afobe (Wolves) - A player who supposedly 'cried in the car' after rejoining Wolves, the club are keen to sign him on a permanent deal, but has split debate amongst the fans. Afobe scored 23 goals in 48 games in his first spell at Molineux from January 2015 to January 2016.