Kevin Phillips on Wolves radar as Kenny Jackett eyes deals
Wolves boss Kenny Jackett today gave his strongest hint yet of making several signings in January – as Kevin Phillips announced his intention to leave Crystal Palace in the summer.
The head coach is expected to step up efforts to sign a central midfielder and a striker among others when the window opens in 12 days' time.
Millwall winger James Henry and possibly Derby wideman Michael Jacobs will become permanent signings, but Jackett wants more.
"We've identified where we need to improve and what we need to do," said Jackett. "There are a number of targets right the way through the Football League we'd take if we could. We're looking for a high percentage to come off and we're looking for people who will make the difference."
Phillips, who started his professional career with Jackett at Watford, has today confirmed he is to leave Crystal Palace: "I've had a chat with the manager and I will be leaving in January.
"I've been travelling for nearly two and a half years and I want to find a club nearer home and I want to be playing football for the last three or four months of my career. I've had a chat with the manager and he's fine with that. So yes, I'll be moving on."
The striker was linked to Wolves in July before committing to one final fling in the Premier League with Crystal Palace.
But the Staffordshire-based former Albion, Birmingham and Villa striker, who has a son in Wolves' academy, has a release clause in his contract in January.
Asked specifically about 40-year-old Phillips, Jackett said: "I don't want to go into any individuals, and particularly those contracted to clubs. Kevin Thelwell has worked very hard with myself and Joe Gallen to identify the right targets.
"Given the position we are in the league, and the size and the structure of the club, we can attract players. Also, it's vital the players we bring in have enough hunger to want to play for the club and see it as a big opportunity because hunger and desire play such a big part in modern-day football."
Jackett admitted Wolves, boosted by £16m of parachute payments, are competing against the top half of the Championship for signings.
"Quite often all of the same-size clubs end up competing for the same players," he said.
"Sometimes if you work hard enough there's a particular fit that comes off and it's important you get that. You have to be better and sometimes take a chance earlier, rather than wait for the players that have developed into the real deal.
"Going back to Mick McCarthy here, some of Wolves' best signings were about taking a chance on young, hungry players that hadn't necessarily established themselves."
