Shropshire Star

Jonny Castro Otto in demand with Wolves keen to offload full-back following training ground incident

A number of European clubs are chasing the signature of Jonny Castro Otto as Wolves aim to offload the defender this month.

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The Spaniard has been banned from first-team duties at Wolves since the end of November following a training ground incident in which he elbowed team-mate Tawanda Chirewa and spat at a member of staff.

Wolves are working to move Jonny on in the current transfer window and it is believed a permanent move is the preference for all parties. The 29-year-old joined Wolves initially on loan from Atletico Madrid before completing a £15million switch.

Now, Wolves are prepared to allow Jonny to leave for a nominal fee this month to take him off the wage bill and give the player a chance to resurrect his career elsewhere.

It is understood that concrete negotiations have not yet begun over selling Jonny, but former club Celta Vigo have contacted Jonny’s representatives to make their interest known. Jonny was born in Vigo and came through Celta’s academy before spending six years in the first team.

The Spanish international is also attracting interest from other European clubs, but talks have not taken place over a move.

Wolves are keen to move quickly to get the player a transfer elsewhere before the end of the window.

The club’s statement following the training ground incident said the player would only be banned from first-team training and games until the end of January, and hinted at a possible move.

Meanwhile, Wolves youngster Joe Hodge feels he needs a January loan move away from Molineux – in a bid to get first-team minutes under his belt.

The 21-year-old Manchester City academy graduate arrived at the club in 2021 - penning a three-year deal.

Hodge, who previously joined Derry City on loan before leaving without making an appearance due to injury, made a handful of appearances for Wolves last season.

This campaign he has only featured once for the club, in a Carabao Cup tie against Blackpool, and has since suffered a hamstring injury, with a shoulder problem hampering his comeback.

The Republic of Ireland under 21 captain has been named on the bench in Wolves’ last two games against Brentford and Everton.

Back in October, Gary O’Neil insisted Hodge was part of his Wolves plans, but speaking to the Irish Examiner, Hodge believes a loan move would a big benefit for his progression.

Hodge said: “I need to get myself back on my feet as things have not fallen my way due to injuries.

“I want to go out on loan. I am speaking to people and I am waiting to see what comes up and what options I have. I want to play as high as I can.

“I definitely want to get out there as soon as soon as I can. Obviously I want to play football and hopefully something will happen.

“Injuries have not helped me this season and I missed out on playing for Ireland.

“But I will be fit and ready by the time the next internationals come around.

“Being made captain was a big feather in my cap. I managed to get a game but to miss out on the next couple was disappointing.

“I am still working as hard as ever and doing the same things as I was doing when things were going well.

“I am learning from all this experience. I cannot get into the Wolves team at the present time because there are so many good players in front of me. I have no complaints about that. I will just kick on.”