Mick: I won't break the bank

Wolves are set to annonunce their second deal of the close season this week when Darren Ward completes a £500,000 transfer from Crystal Palace – and McCarthy today promised more signings before the Championship campaign kicks off on August 11.

Billy Sharp will travel to Molineux for talks this week, and Freddy Eastwood is another confirmed target.

But McCarthy insists he will not break the unofficial Wolves wage cap for anyone.

Wage parity was hailed as a major reason for the fierce team spirit last season – and McCarthy sees no reason to "upset the applecart" by offering big money to potential signings.

"We have to be conscious of what we had last season. Both myself, Jez and Steve Morgan have always said we don't want to change the culture at the club," he said.

"Of course if we want to do better than we did last season and take that next step then we have to sign some players – but we have to do it within reason. We can't go paying ridiculous amounts – it just won't happen."

McCarthy is adamant about maintaining the ethic that endeared the team to the fans last season.

"There was a good chemistry in the squad and we don't want people to come in and upset the apple cart.

"They all worked hard and that is the main issue – if they all put a shift in and they see the bloke next to them doing it then they will tolerate most things. Anyone who comes inhas to earn the right to play."

The coaching staff have been planning their summer transfer swoops for months – and the boss hopes their hard work will pay off.

"Whenever you are taking anyone on you take everything into consideration. You look at where they have been, what they have done, the club they have been at and see whether you think it will work out.

"There are a lot of determining factors to who you can get – and how much they want to be paid is one of them."