Wolves may call power brokers

Molineux chief executive Jez Moxey and owner Sir Jack Hayward, who has escaped the drama engulfing his club to enjoy his annual holiday sea cruise, will consider following Aston Villa's example after yesterday's embarrassing headlines.

And that means contracting a third party to seek, identify and check the credibility of potential owners before brokering a deal for a change of power.

Villa were subjected to a variety of conflicting stories about potential owners - none of which stood up to scrutiny in the cold light of day - before blue chip investment company Rothschild delivered American billionaire Randy Lerner to their doorstep.Now Wolves are seriously considering the same policy - and could also turn to Rothschild - in order to avoid future embarrassing leaks.

Moxey denied Wolves were negotiating with Graeme Souness about a takeover, only to later learn that the man he had invited to Molineux on New Year's Day to see the Barnsley game had told this newspaper an offer had been rejected.

It followed a similar leak during the summer when Milan Mandaric's interest in Wolves was revealed in an echo of yesterday's events, when Moxey denied anything substantive had taken place between the parties.

The chief executive was prompted to release a second statement from Molineux yesterday in which he said the club considered it vital to conduct "sensitive issues such as this in a private and confidential manner", viewed by many as an acknowledgement that there had been at least some level of talks with Souness.

Moxey also delivered a rebuke to the Liverpool legend by adding: "We also believe that anyone who is serious about wishing to do business with us should do the same.

"We will not come running to the media every time someone knocks on our door - I think our supporters can appreciate that."

by Martin Swain