Good form for Carl Ikeme may see him land new Wolves deal
Wolves keeper Carl Ikeme could be set to earn a bumper new contract as reward for his stunning start to the season.
The 27-year-old shotstopper has 20 months left on his current deal after signing a three-and-a-half year contract in November 2011.
But with the Brummie keeper in the best form of his career, the club is anxious to 'manage' its business as best as it can to avoid the player running his deals down to the final 12 months.
Wolves want to reach agreement with Danny Batth on a new deal but Ikeme is further down the 'to-do' list.
Head coach Kenny Jackett said: "We'll see. It's not something I've necessarily thought about or discussed with Kevin Thelwell yet but he's had a very good start to the season.
"And with the best part of two years left, it's something we'll be very aware of because he's played very well.
"He's showed terrific promise, he's had a good start to the season, and the good thing for him is his best years are ahead of him. So he'll want to continue and hopefully grow with us."
Meanwhile, Jackett challenged the three new Under-21s recruits to follow Lee Evans and make the step up to his first-team plans. International clearance was received a week ago for Wales Under-21s striker Bradley Reid and Romanian attacking midfielder Carlo Erdei, while powerful Portuguese winger Eusebio Bancessi already had his.
The club is still awaiting clearance for Spanish midfielder Albert Torras, signed from Barcelona 'B'.
Evans was promoted to the senior ranks in June to following his £200,000 move from Newport County in January.
Jackett wants the other youngsters to be knocking on his door now they are eligible to play.
"We want them to develop so hopefully they can play in our first team," said Jackett.
"The chances are it will maybe be beyond this season for them, but if they suddenly jump out, we won't hesitate to promote them into the first team.
"Liam McAlinden has played three times for Shrewsbury, Jamie Reckord has played pretty consistently at left-back for Plymouth, which is good.
"With those guys going out of the club, or let's say Jack Price and Lee Evans playing for the first team or being sub such as Anthony Forde, it creates opportunities for the next lot of youngsters.
"We'll see how they do and consistently review the games and if they're ready, then great."
