Kenny Jackett wants more quality at Wolves
Boss Kenny Jackett admits Wolves face a key summer in the transfer market as he identified Benik Afobe-quality signings to shape next season.
Wolves are expected to resist any attempts to sell star striker Afobe if they miss out on the play-offs, but face a losing battle to keep 14-goal top scorer Bakary Sako.
A replacement for winger Sako will be paramount to their plans if he leaves – with Villa leading the chase for him – as well as competition at centre-half, central midfield and up front.
Wolves could relax the purse strings a little after the loss of big earners Roger Johnson, Jamie O'Hara and Colorado-bound Kevin Doyle.
Sako and Doyle are two of 13 players out of contract, along with club captain Sam Ricketts, Tomasz Kuszczak, Leon Clarke and Zeli Ismail, plus youngsters George Swan, Jim Kellerman, Albert Torras, Jordi Ortega, Carlo Erdei, Ibrahim Keita and Connor Hunte.
Jackett said: "If you get a lot right then it can really help you through the season,, so it's an important summer. We've got a good basis but it will be another key time to try to step forward.
"It can make a big difference. This season we've signed four permanent players and two loans and that's not necessarily a lot, but I don't think it will be too high in numbers."
Jackett is targeting signings with the quality of Afobe, who has scored 12 goals in 19 games since his £2million arrival from Arsenal.
"That's the type of signing you want to make," he said. "Signing players with that impact has to be our aim.
"Exactly how many is perhaps for a few weeks' time. I do feel positively about the future – it's not an ageing team but I don't think we've done well enough off the ball in the last two games."
Jackett revealed transfer plans for next season are already underway.
He said: "I wouldn't say it hasn't been discussed because it has, but it's not something we need to be talking about right now and ripping things open."
