Express & Star

Five...goalkeepers who might be heading to Wolves

It's a case of evolution rather than revolution at Wolves this summer as Kenny Jackett looks to tweak a squad that finished just outside the Championship play-offs.

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A new goalkeeper is high up on the bosses wish list though following the departure of Tomasz Kuszczak to Birmingham.

But with Carl Ikeme almost guaranteed a starting spot, finding someone who is happy to replace the former Manchester United glovesman on the substitutes bench won't be easy.

Here we take a look at five goalkeepers who might fancy a move to Molineux this summer. Don't forget to take part in our poll at the end of the list.

1. Chris Kirkland - free agent

Chris Kirkland

A huge talent, Kirkland was expected to go on and have a glittering England career when he signed for Liverpool for £9million back in 2001.

But injuries have taken their toll on the 34-year-old who has spent large parts of his career on the substitutes bench.

Now a free-agent after being released by Sheffield Wednesday, Kirkland has ties to the Midlands after enjoying a loan spell at Albion.

2. Sam Johnstone - Manchester United

Sam Johnstone

The 22-year-old is highly thought of at Manchester United but looks set to leave the club this summer without making a first-team appearance.

Although a relative novice, Johnstone has enjoyed successful loan spells at Walsall, Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil and Preston.

He now needs to be competing for a first-team spot to help realise his undoubted potential.

3. Jayson Leutwiler - Shrewsbury Town

Signed last summer on a free from Middlesbrough, Leutwiler went on to break the club's all-time clean sheet record in his first year as a No.1

The Swiss stopper kept an incredible 23 clean sheets in 46 League Two games, surpassing the club's previous best of 21 achieved in the 1967/68 campaign.

The 26-year-old has previously been linked with a move to Sheffield Wednesday.

4. Daniel Bentley - Southend

Daniel Bentley

The promising shot stopper was the hero in the Shrimpers' penalty shoot-out win over Wycombe, helping secure promotion to League One.

And the keeper's skills between the sticks have not gone unnoticed with a host of top clubs in for him.

West Ham, Leeds and newly promoted Bournemouth are all rumoured to be interested in securing his services.

A move to Wolves though would give Jackett huge competition for the 'keepers jersey with Bentley providing outstanding cover if Ikeme has another injury-hit campaign.

5. Ben Hamer - Leicester

Charlton Athletic's Ben Hamer

Despite impressing whenever he has played for Leicester or his previous club Charlton, Hamer has dropped to third choice at the King Power Stadium following the arrival of Mark Schwarzer.

With Kasper Schmeichel comfortably first choice, Hamer may fancy a move away in pursuit of more regular first team football.

Old boss Nigel Pearson praised the way the 'keeper handled the pressure of Premier League football last season.

A patient character, he has the ability and mentality to push Ikeme.

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