Diogo Jota was left out of the matchday squad ahead of Wolves' 1-0 home defeat to Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.

This was considered to be unusual, to say the least, after failing to feature in their win over Sheffield United. It was thought that in a slightly rotated squad that the forward would feature.

However, with him being left out of the entire squad in yesterdays defeat, it raises questions what the future holds for Jota at the Wanderers.

It has emerged that Liverpool are on the verge of signing Jota, with a fee upwards of £35m close to being agreed.

An attacking threat since his arrival

Since joining the club originally on loan from Atletico Madrid in 2017, the Portuguese forward has been a player that Wolves have been able to rely on to grab goals at significant times.

In his first campaign at the club, he was a huge reason to why they have crowned the champions of the Championship as he ended as the club's top goalscorer with an impressive 17 league goals, while he also bagged six assists.

Consequently, after being a consistent performer in a Black and Gold shirt, he was signed on a permanent basis for £14 million.

Then, since their promotion, Jota has shown to continue this impressive form in the Premier League, as in the last two season, he has scored a total of 16 goals, while he has further formed a good attacking partnership with Raul Jimenez.

This is one which time and time again has shown to cause opposition defences many problems, no matter whether Jota is being played as a striker or as a left-winger.

Possible move to Liverpool?

Immediately after they confirmed the signing of Thiago from Bayern Munich, the news broke about Liverpool set to sign Jota.

With Wolves interested in Ki-Jana Hoever, Jota could be moving to the Premier League champions before the Wanderers host Manchester City on Monday.

Jurgen Klopp currently has two world-class wingers at his disposal, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both instrumental parts of last season's title win.

With Xherdan Shaqiri only appearing 11 times in all competitions last season, Jota will face stiff competition, but will certainly offer more than than the Switzerland international.

According to Tim Spiers, covers Wolves for The Athletic, the Portuguese forward is close to departing the West Midlands.

Despite recruiting a new forward in the form of Fabio Silva for a club-record fee of 35 million, the 18- year old will need time to develop at the Wanderers, meaning that Jota at 23 years of age remains a good option for Wolves.

Although, if he continues to be left out of Santo's starting 11 on a regular basis, a move to Anfield may be better suited for the once regular starter.