Wolverhampton Wanderers have 'less chance' of luring Mohammed Kudus to Molineux in January due to the Ajax star's impressive start to the season, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
Although the West Midlands outfit broke a club-record by splashing out £42.2million on Matheus Nunes during the summer window, Kudus was not among the fresh faces to join Bruno Lage's side.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones
What's the latest news involving Kudus?
Kudus grabbed the first Champions League goal of his career when Ajax put Rangers to the sword earlier this week, but he was heavily linked with a move to Wolves last month.
According to Ghana Soccernet, the Molineux-based club joined Premier League rivals Everton in the race to sign Kudus on a season-long loan ahead of the deadline.
The report suggests Wolves were prepared to open talks with the 16-cap Ghana international’s representatives, but a move failed to come to fruition.
Everton reportedly held discussions over an initial temporary deal which would have had the option of being made permanent and Kudus indicated he was open to a move.
It is understood that the central midfielder went on strike and missed a training session towards the end of last month as he attempted to force through a switch to the Premier League, but Ajax held firm.
What has Dean Jones said about Kudus?
Jones understands Ajax were not interested in sanctioning Kudus' departure during the summer window, meaning Wolves and Everton were always fighting a losing battle.
With the 22-year-old performing so well during the early stages of the campaign, the journalist feels both Premier League clubs are unlikely to get a deal over the line in January.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "Even throughout the links in the summer, I was told that Ajax just didn't want to lose him. Now we're seeing why.
"It was a great performance from him against Rangers and, at this rate, there is even less chance now of Wolves or Everton signing him than there was at the end of the last window."
Why is Kudus on Wolves' radar?
Despite only being handed one start since the campaign got underway last month, Kudus has already chalked up three goals and an assist, so it is clear that he is in-form and formidable in the final third of the pitch.
While he is primarily a central midfielder, Kudus has demonstrated that he is versatile by featuring on the wing and as a striker in the Eredivisie recently.
The Ghanaian has racked up 106 appearances during the early stages of his senior career and has certainly caught the eye.
Erik ten Hag, who took over as Manchester United's boss in the summer, handed Kudus his Ajax debut and described his performance as ‘excellent’.