Harte on brink as Gray signs

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is considering making Ian Harte his fifth summer signing - while Michael Gray is expected to finally put pen to paper.

Former Leeds left-back Harte continued his two week trial at Molineux with 75 minutes in last night’s 1-0 friendly win over Walsall as a central midfielder.

“I guess I’m going to have to give him a decision by the weekend,” said McCarthy.

“We’ll see if he is involved against Blackburn - he probably will be in the squad and I’ll let him know then. His attitude’s been first class.”

Gray, meanwhile, looks set to agree on a one-year deal, which has been on the table for some time.

McCarthy said of Harte: “His attitude has been first class. He has played left-back and did alright last night in midfield.“I like someone who is a bit of a utility player and he can certainly cope well with the ball. He was a couple of weeks behind everyone else with his fitness, but he’s done well and everyone likes him, so he’s fitted in OK.

“He’s come in to train with lads who were flying at the end of last season and came back flying. He wasn’t playing at the end of last season, so he missed that period.

“He’s a bit behind but he got through 75 minutes in the middle of the park last night in a really competitive game. So he can get up to speed on his fitness.”

Gray has had a one-year offer from Wolves on the table for some time but after lengthy negotiations, agreement is now close between the two parties.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said: “We want to sign Mickey and we’ve offered him a one-year deal. It’s there for him to sign and we hope he does.”

Moxey’s words suggest there is now no further room for negotiation and the signs are that Gray, who has been out of contract since June 30, has secured the best deal he could.

One player on his way out of Molineux is midfielder Stephen Gleeson, who has agreed to rejoin Stockport on loan.

Gleeson has had two previous temporary stints at Edgeley Park and helped the club to promotion from League Two via the play-offs last season.