Wolves boss after one more key player

Boss Kenny Jackett today hinted he is seeking one key signing who can add “10-15 per cent” to Wolves as his striker search dragged on.The Molineux head coach has endured a frustrated summer in the transfer market trying to land the young, hungry goalscorer he wants to add a sharper cutting edge to his squad.

Jackett said yesterday a loan signing was an option, but a deal to bring Leicester striker Chris Wood now looks highly unlikely after they failed with a bid believed to be around £1.25m.

And they are not convinced Crewe youngster Max Clayton is better than what they have.

Now at a time when free agent Sylvan Ebanks-Blake is back training with the unwanted ‘group three’, Jackett admits there are some big decisions looming.

“There are big decisions on personnel in our group: Who can do it this season and who can’t?” said Jackett.

The Molineux gaffer has always said he won’t sign Ebanks-Blake, who has turned down an offer from Blackpool.

“Players coming in is a key one and early on in a season, we’re assessing the squad and seeing what we need to complement the squad to maybe give you another 10-15 per cent in terms of quality.

“For example, George Thorne was a big loss for Derby because he really lifted them last season – sometimes one player can make a difference and a team can really go on a run.”

Jackett insists the financial drain of ‘group three’ have not prevented him making signings however.

“It would be beneficial if those players moved on because it’s a very big handicap on the wage bill,” he said.

“But no one has ever said to Kevin Thelwell or me ‘you can’t go for player ‘x’ until you get rid of player ‘y’ who is still there’.”

Meanwhile, Jackett challenged Wolves to match the relegated Premier League big boys as they prepare to face Fulham tonight then Cardiff on Saturday.

“Generally this division has got a reputation for being very tight, close games,” he said.

“Whether that will be the case this week against two sides who have come out of the Premier League, it will be interesting.

“Both have made a statement of intent by making big signings and spending a considerable amount of their parachute money.

“But it won’t necessarily be easy for them.”