Wolves boss Stale Solbakken plans talks with Nenad Milijas over the midfielder's future, while admitting good players will leave Molineux.
Solbakken hints at midfield exits as he looks to reshape squad
Wolves boss Stale Solbakken plans talks with Nenad Milijas over the midfielder's future, while admitting good players will leave Molineux.
The 29-year-old Serbia international is one of a number of players including Michael Kightly and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake who have just one year remaining on their contracts.
It had been suggested Milijas could be set for a key role at Wolves this season amid reports Solbakken had tried to sign the playmaker while manager of Cologne, but the Norwegian has rejected those claims.
"That's wrong. That's another Cologne rumour," he told the
Birmingham Mail, referring to his difficult experience with the media and board at the German club.
Asked if Milijas would be staying, Solbakken added: "It's too early to say. In central midfield we have a lot of players at the moment. But that is also something we must think about.
"I will have a good chat with him when we go to Ireland (for pre-season) and obviously see him in training and see how things are going."
Solbakken has already brought in two forwards, Frank Nouble and Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson, leaving him with six senior strikers.
But he also wants to bring in players elsewhere and the 44-year-old boss added: "I will be very surprised if there are not players coming in. I know who I want but won't say as the price will go up."
Question marks
If Solbakken intends to add in midfield it raises question marks about the future of Adam Hammill and Adlene Guedioura as well as Milijas.
And while the Wolves manager would not be drawn on individuals he did acknowledge that quality players may have to leave to strengthen other areas.
"It's more or less the same situation for them (as Milijas)," he said.
"There are players who have been a little bit in and out of the team and maybe in and out of the club.
"It is not about picking up on an individual but you see the whole group together.
"What do we miss? What do we lack? And then maybe some good players have to be offered to strengthen in other areas.
"In some areas we may have five good players when we only need three or in another area we maybe need to strengthen.
"It's about building a big enough squad and strong enough squad with enough quality that can also cope in periods when you have a few injuries and games are coming around fast."
