Michael Brown is on Wolves' radar

Wolves have revealed they pulled out of the chase for Middlesbrough defender David Wheater - but admitted Portsmouth midfielder Michael Brown is on their radar.

Wheater is set to join Bolton for £2.5million imminently as a possible replacement for £15million-rated Gary Cahill, who is expected to leave the Reebok Stadium.

Wolves were one of several clubs interested in Wheater – who is out of contract in the summer - with Villa, Stoke and Everton.

But the Molineux hierachy are unconvinced of the value for money of the player and whether he is better than what they have.

Manager Mick McCarthy said: "I think you'll probably find he'll end up at Bolton and that will be great business for them."

Centre-backs Jody Craddock and Steven Mouyokolo – the latter who is the same age as 23-year-old Wheater - played 65 and 45 minutes respectively of yesterday's behind closed doors friendly against Leicester yesterday, which Wolves won 1-0.

McCarthy added: "Jody and Steven played yesterday so I've got those two, Richard Stearman and Christophe Berra, so I'm not in desperate need of a centre-back."

As for Brown, who turns 34 later this month, McCarthy admitted he is under consideration as he looks again after missing out on Steve Sidwell, who slipped his grasp to join Fulham.

The former Manchester City, Tottenham, Fulham and Wigan midfielder, who played against Wolves in the 2003 play-off final for Sheffield United, has a clause in his reported £34,000-a-week contract triggering another year at Pompey if he plays one more game.

Portsmouth boss Steve Cotterill admits they can't afford to pay it.

McCarthy said: "I'm aware of that. I was interested in Sidwell and I nearly had that deal done.

"So I was looking at that position. But I won't confirm or deny Brown."

But McCarthy denied reported interest in Reading striker Simon Church.

He added: "There's nothing happening with that one."

But the Wolves boss confirmed he is seeking Premier League experience.

He said: "It's really got to be somebody that's played in the Premier League with the spine of the team.

"You might get away with a wide player or a young full-back, but I don't see them around."