The January transfer window is due to open this weekend, and Huddersfield Town fans are desperate to see some business.
A striker and a central defender are the two most common needs cited by supporters, but it is Ben Chilwell who should be top of the priority list.
Signed on loan from Leicester City in November, Chilwell had made only one senior appearance for the Foxes in the Capital One Cup and has only just turned 19, but the left back has gone toe to toe with a succession of seasoned professionals in his time at Huddersfield - and often come out on top.
A regular on the England youth scene, Chilwell has earned his starting place at the expense of senior Australian international Jason Davidson, who has had just the one start under Wagner such has been Chilwell’s impact on the left flank.
However, it isn’t just Town who have noticed his potential - his six weeks in the Championship have enhanced his reputation across a footballing landscape that had already begun to speak of him in hushed tones.
Arsenal had a reported £3.5m bid rejected by Leicester last summer, and the Gunners have been joined by Liverpool and Tottenham scouts at recent Town games to run the rule over the 19-year-old. They haven’t been disappointed.
Jurgen Klopp is now said to be readying a £4m bid for his services after receiving glowing reports from David Wagner and Huddersfield skipper Mark Hudson is the latest to opine that the defender will be an England international one day.
Chilwell’s time in Huddersfield is set to end after the clash with Bolton on Saturday , and Wagner has spoken of his desire to keep his young loanee for a longer spell. He may face competition from Premier League heavyweights, while an injury to senior Leicester defender Jeffrey Schlupp may encourage the Foxes to hand Chilwell a first team opportunity at the King Power Stadium.
However, football can change at lightning pace, and if there is any chance of extending Ben’s stay, the boss should be fighting tooth and nail to keep him.
A confident player despite his tender years, he has been a welcome attacking outlet down the wing - even if his crossing can occasionally let him down. Opponents find it difficult to get the ball off him, he has a good eye for a pass and Wagner has praised his technique and workrate.
The role of the full back has become increasingly important in the modern game, with more and more managers eschewing traditional wingers, and Chilwell has shown great ability to get up and down the flank - remaining cool under defensive pressure as well as contributing further forward.
Wagner’s clear preference for the youngster over Davidson illustrates how much his presence would be missed if he returned to Leicester.
However, there is little u21 football can teach him after such an impressive start to his professional league career and regular Championship action will be of far more benefit than the Leicester, or Liverpool, bench. Town undoubtedly benefit from his presence, but Chilwell has also advanced greatly in his own development.
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If that is not enough to secure his return to the John Smith’s Stadium after full time on Saturday, it is something that should stand the club in good stead when fighting for temporary deals with the cream of the Premier League’s young talent.
Wagner has shown he is unafraid to prioritise youth over experience - even if that means starting another club’s player over his own. Championship loans can be a risky strategy for those in Premier League academies and regular game time can be hard to come by.
With a background in youth development, an attractive footballing philosophy and the courage to stand by young talent, Wagner has shown Huddersfield can be the ideal proving ground.
It is an argument that will hopefully lead to Chilwell spending more time in a Terriers shirt.
There is always an element of the unknown with new January signings. Town know exactly what they are getting with Chilwell - and it’s something they must do everything they can to secure.
