Mancienne eyes new loan spell

Michael Mancienne today opened the door to a return to Wolves next season.

The on-loan Chelsea man is currently excelling as a holding midfielder at Molineux but his future is unclear beyond the end of the campaign.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has indicated the 22-year-old's development may be best served by having another season out on loan.

And the England Under-21 international, who made his 100th League appearance in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Fulham, today admitted he would look favourably on a third spell with Wolves.

"I want to do the best I can for Wolves to get them safe and then concentrate on where I'm going to be next season," said Mancienne.

"But if I was to come on loan again, Wolves would definitely be in my thoughts, yes. I'm not 100 per cent sure what's happening next season - I've just got to take it as it comes.

"But I'm enjoying it here at Wolves - I get along with all the boys and we're all roughly the same age. There are no bad eggs in the camp."

Central to Mancienne's satisfaction at Wolves is the way he feels he is developing as a player.

"I've definitely progressed as a player," he added.

"Playing week-in, week-out has helped me mature as a player because I'm playing against top quality players in the Premier League - that can only be good for my game because it helps me learn."

McCarthy said: "I've had the discussion with Michael about trying to be a Premier League winner and a Champions League winner playing in the position he does for us and I don't think that's going to happen.

"But that's up to Chelsea.

"Does he go back to being a squad member or do they want to allow him further education playing in the league?

"I don't know the answer because I've not had those discussions with Chelsea. When they feel the time is right and talk to me, then I'll find out."

McCarthy refused to be drawn on whether he would consider trying to buy Mancienne.

"That's like tapping him up!" he said.

Exclusive - by Tim Nash