McCarthy juggling his options
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy intends to "keep the plates spinning" as the club try to serve up a summer transfer treat for supporters.
McCarthy has made moves for three strikers in Southend's Freddy Eastwood, Scunthorpe's Billy Sharp and the surprise of the three-pronged assault to strengthen his front-line, Burnley's wirey Kyle Lafferty.
A deal for Eastwood is the closest of the three while there were reports over the weekend that Wolves have now upped their offer for Sharp to £1.8m.
The emergence of Lafferty as the third man on McCarthy's radar throws up yet more possibilities for Wolves fans to talk about.
McCarthy does not intend to bring all three to Molineux, but two out of three is the most likely outcome – and that will ultimately be decided by which deal Wolves feel offers the best value for money as well as the best blend for the team's progress.
Chief executive Jez Moxey would not be drawn into commenting on any specific targets, but said: "We are trying to do what we have said we would do all along – and that's make sure we get the best deal for the club.
"We have options, we have contingencies and alternatives. But Mick has said from the outset 'let's keep as many plates spinning as we can.'
"In this game, you can get transfers done quickly by asking a club to think of a number, doubling it and giving them the money. But that is obviously not good business."
Scunthorpe chairman Steve Wharton has set his asking price for Sharp at £2m plus add-ons, a price no club has yet been willing to meet.
Lafferty has already been the subject of a near £500,000 offer from Celtic which was dismissed by Burnley. But Turf Moor manager Steve Cotterill was already aware of Wolves' interest– and an offer in the region of £1m-plus would certainly get Burnley's attention.