Wolves' search for new Sako has started
Wolves' search for a replacement for Bakary Sako is well under way – as Kenny Jackett hinted at a new deal for Tomasz Kuszczak.
Out-of-contract Sako is expected to leave this summer if Wolves fail to win promotion and is primed for what could well be his final game in gold and black in tomorrow's Championship swansong at home to Millwall.
Albion and Villa want the the 14-goal winger but are being rivalled by serious interest from the Middle East, as well as Turkey.
Jackett says Wolves are already scouting replacements for the 26-year-old talisman.
"We have to think to cover Sako. That's something of a possibility," said the head coach.
"His is one of the positions we're looking to strengthen and we're looking hard.
"We have two players in our squad that can play there (Rajiv Van La Parra and Michael Jacobs), but we feel recruitment in the summer will be a key time for us. Whether that's wide left we'll see."
Jackett suggests he wants signings that can be adaptable.
"You need providers, hard-workers – a successful side has a little bit of everything," he said.
"You really do need those players that can do a little bit of everything, those that can work hard to close down, battle and scrap at Wigan away on a poor pitch and get a 1-0 win or play an expansive open game when the sun's shining."
Kuszczak is set to end the league season in Wolves' team with Carl Ikeme unlikely to feature because of a knee injury that's prevented him from training for two weeks.
The Pole, who is one of six senior players out of contract, has kept six clean sheets in 12 games and Jackett would like to keep him.
"He's done very well, I'm pleased with his contribution," he added.
Wolves have taken up year options on the contracts of Ben O'Hanlon, Ashley Carter, Declan Weeks and Bradley Reid, signed Jim Kellerman on a new one-year deal and released Albert Torras and Carlo Erdei.
