Wolverhampton Wanderers could see ‘doom and gloom’ return to Molineux if they do not sign a free agent to replace striker Sasa Kalajdzic before their next game, according to journalist Dean Jones, although a move for Diego Costa could now be edging closer after initial doubts.

Bruno Lage picked up his first win of the season on Saturday, beating Southampton 1-0 in the Midlands, but it was a game that also saw a new signing suffer a setback.

What happened to Kalajdzic?

The 25-year-old only completed his move to Wolves at the end of August, signing from Stuttgart on a five-year contract, and was described by technical director Scott Sellars as having ‘many excellent attributes'.

But his debut lasted just 45 minutes as he was withdrawn at half-time after complaining of pain in his knee, with the club later confirming that surgery would be required on his anterior cruciate ligament.

Daniel Podence scored the winner just before the end of the first period and it proved enough to beat Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

The delight of a first win was tinted with anxiety, however, with Lage now potentially left with no specialised striker, as Raul Jimenez suffered a groin issue in the warm-up.

Former Chelsea star Diego Costa was understood to be undergoing a trial and a medical at Molineux after his contract with Atletico Mineiro expired in January.

However, according to the Telegraph, any move had been plunged into doubt as Costa does not currently score enough points to be granted a work permit in the UK.

As a result, former Newcastle United and Liverpool striker Andy Carroll is also being considered after leaving West Brom.

What has Jones said on the situation?

Jones believes that a wave of negativity could return to the Midlands club soon if Fosun and Jeff Shi do not move to sign a striker imminently.

The journalist adds that fans will want to see a signing made before kick-off in their next clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Mentally they needed a lift and they got the win against Southampton, which has given them that and then they need another one to bounce back from the news over Kalajdzic. So, I think that to have someone straight in would definitely provide that boost. If they were to go into next week's game, and they haven't signed anybody else to replace Kalajdzic and you're just moving people into unfamiliar roles, that doom and gloom will come back.”

What should Wolves do?

The club could do with an extra striker with both Kalajdzic and Jimenez suffering injuries.

But similarly, it is not worth rushing into a deal unless said player will actually perform to the level desired.

Would Carroll do that? The 33-year-old has nearly 250 top-flight appearances to his name and scored 54 Premier League goals, but given he found the net just three times in the Championship last season, it does not inspire confidence.

Maybe Diego Costa will prove to be the best option for the Midlands club.