Town boss Mick McCarthy is again being linked with a return for some of his Wolves players as he looks to strengthen his Blues squad for the 2013/14 campaign. Brentford midfielder Harry Forrester, who TWTD revealed was on the Town manager's radar back in January, is also again mentioned in connection with a move to Portman Road.
Striker Kevin Doyle was claimed to be a Town target by some of the weekend tabloids and midfielder Karl Henry and left-back Stephen Ward are now also said to be on McCarthy's wish-list.
Doyle, who has also been linked with long-time admirers Celtic in the last few days, has two years on his contract but seems certain to move on in the wake of the Wolves’ second successive relegation.
The Midlanders are likely to want to get back at least some of the reported £6.5 million that McCarthy paid Reading for the 29-year-old Irish international in the summer of 2009 and any significant fee would almost certainly put the Blues out of the running with Financial Fair Play limiting the club’s spending capability.
Wolves skipper Henry, 30, has another three years left on his contract and has said he would like to get his hometown club back out of League One: "I want to come back to put things right — I know a lot of the players feel the same.”
However, the former Stoke man admits his future is up in the air until a new boss is appointed as the successor to Dean Saunders: "Whether the club or the manager will want me to be a part of it we will have to see.”
Irish international Ward was another McCarthy signing, the 27-year-old joining from League of Ireland Bohemians in 2007. He is contracted until 2015 with Wolves having turned down a £300,000 bid from Nottingham Forest in January.
Town moving for another left-back would be a surprise unless there were to be interest in first-choice Aaron Cresswell, while Tyrone Mings is cover for the ex-Tranmere man.
Speaking last week, manager Mick McCarthy played down the chances of him targeting members of his Wolves squad over the summer: "Yes, they’ve got good players but that doesn’t mean to say I’m going to go tripping back there to sign them and who’s to know what they’re going to cost and what wages they’re on anyway? I’m not thinking that’s my fishing ground at all, not whatsoever.”
However, McCarthy would almost certainly like to sign former loanee Richard Stearman on a permanent basis if a deal can be done, while the Blues boss is looking for one probably two keepers this summer and we understand has kept tabs on Carl Ikeme, who he rates highly.
Brentford midfielder Forrester is out of contract in the summer, although compensation would be due if he moves on as he is only 22.
The former Aston Villa youngster has said he will decide at the end of the season whether to stay at Griffin Park or move on with the Bees in the League One play-off final where they will face Yeovil.