Mick McCarthy warns of inflated January fees

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy today warned inflated prices could reduce the chances of any more signings this month.

Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha is understood to be McCarthy's chief target to boost his leaky back line.

But the 25-year-old's wage demands are understood to be £50,000-a-week, which is way more than Wolves and Albion pay and has already priced out Bolton and Blackburn.

City are believed to want around £4m for a player who will be available for nothing when his contract expires in the summer.

Wolves, like Albion, are monitoring Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard, who is also out of contract this summer.

"I don't expect there to be a huge amount of players around and the ones that are will be expensive to buy and to employ because it's a time when prices go up," said McCarthy.

"Everyone wants to keep their best players and if there's anybody that is in a good position to move and has only got six months of their contract left they become expensive. We're looking and if we can do it, then Steve Morgan and Jez Moxey will support me."

Meanwhile, Wolves new-boy Eggert Jonsson has been tipped to be Karl Henry's 'shadow' and make an impact this season.

Jonsson was set for his debut at Birmingham in today's FA Cup third-round tie at St Andrew's after his £600,000 move from Hearts.

But the versatile Iceland international has been backed to make an immediate impact in the 'enforcer' role competing with Henry.

"I hope Eggert can have an impact over the second half of the season," said McCarthy. "If Karl is injured or suspended then we didn't have anyone else who could do that particular job."

See also:

• Transfer rumours – January 7

• Wolves’ transfer targets assessed

• Nedum Onuoha is in big demand