Wolves blog: Will they stay or will they go?

Paul Lambert has repeatedly described the squad as too big, with over 30 first-team players when fully fit.

If Wolves want to bring in at least a few more quality players, a minibus may be required to ferry those surplus to requirements out of Wolverhampton.

It could well be a mix of summer signings and pre-Fosun players that depart Molineux. Five players are on loan, which may make them an easier option to offload if Wolves wish.

In terms of goalkeepers, there is unlikely to be much movement in or out: Carl Ikeme and Andy Lonergan are the senior keepers with Jon Flatt and Harry Burgoyne underneath them.

Defence is an area Wolves may wish to improve, with only eight first-team defenders, plus Sylvain Deslandes who has been playing in the U21/U23 team most of the season.

Of the eight, Silvio and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson are at the top of the list of potential outgoing players.

Borthwick-Jackson has been named in Manchester United's Europa League squad, which makes his departure look likely, whilst Silvio hasn't forced his way into the team.

Ethan Ebanks-Landell, out on loan at Sheffield United, has impressed whilst scoring a few along the way – he has been nominated for League One Player of the Month. He may return in January if Wolves trigger a recall option.

Wolves midfield is where the squad is really bloated. Wolves have six wingers: Jed Wallace, Ola John, Helder Costa, Ivan Cavaleiro and the injured Michal Zyro and Jordan Graham – additionally they have James Henry on loan at Bolton.

When the injured players return, Wallace, Henry and on-loan John seem the weakest options of the wingers and the likeliest to leave.

There is not room for this many wingers when there are only two positions up for grabs – one if George Saville takes the left-wing spot.

The eight central midfield options Wolves have are: Dave Edwards, George Saville, Lee Evans, Conor Coady, Jack Price, Prince Oniangue, Joao Teixeira and Romain Saiss.

All three of the new signings have shown promise at certain points, but Oniangue has been out injured and is yet to feature under Paul Lambert – he may be given a chance to prove his worth.

Romain Saiss looks the best of the three, offering something Wolves do not have anywhere else in the squad, but Joao Teixeira's performances have dropped off after a positive start – his loan may be cut short.

Of the 'old guard', many Wolves fans will question the ability of the players but Dave Edwards certainly isn't going anywhere after a new contract.

Of the other four, Evans may potentially leave out on loan but it is hard to imagine Wolves allowing any of them to leave permanently – if they were to, Saville would perhaps be many fans' choice.

Up front, Wolves are desperate for a bit of quality and goal scoring ability.

Joe Mason started the season well before his injury and Wolves will be keen to get him back in the match day squad.

Dicko and Bodvarsson, despite their lack of goals, will certainly not be leaving – surely it is only a matter of time before they both break their barren spell.

Paul Gladon's signing was a bemusing one – he has been a peripheral figure but his U23s hat-trick raised attention.

It would be fair to give him another chance but he is the forward most likely to depart Molineux.

It is likely Lambert will be ruthless with his squad in January – an emphasis on creating a squad with Championship know-how would make the summer signings the likelier to leave.

To reduce the squad to around 23 requires a radical overhaul and there could be one or two surprises in the New Year.