Gary O’Neil admits Wolves want to sign one player in the upcoming transfer window.
Despite being written off completely at the start of the campaign, Wolves are challenging for Europe in the Premier League.
Currently three points adrift of seventh place West Ham with two games in hand ahead of their clash against Aston Villa this evening, Gary O’Neil has masterminded a wonderful season at Molineux.
Despite the Wanderers being depleted by injuries, supporters still believe that European football is a real possibility, an achievement that was unthinkable when Julen Lopetegui walked out of the club in August.
O’Neil’s immense achievements at Wolves have placed him in contention for the Manager of the Season award while Manchester United are reportedly interested in him to become their new manager.
Ahead of the summer, the 40-year-old isn’t thinking about his future away from Molineux, instead pinpointing one player he wants to sign permanently.
Gary O’Neil wants to sign Tommy Doyle permanently from Manchester City
Wolves signed Tommy Doyle on loan from Manchester City last summer.
The England under-21 international has impressed since arriving at Molineux, despite being restricted to just six starts in the Premier League.
Most of Doyle’s contributions have come from the bench this season given the form of midfield machines Joao Gomes and Mario Lemina.
However, that hasn’t stopped the 22-year-old from leaving his mark, particularly in their FA Cup quarter-final run.
He scored a wonderful goal in the 1-1 draw against Brentford and was the best player on the park in the victory over midlands rivals West Brom.
O’Neil has also been impressed with his contributions to the club, hailing him for his “unbelievable quality” and now saying he’d like to sign him permanently.
“We hope so, hopefully he’ll be here next season,” O’Neil told Sky Sports reporter, Danyal Khan.
“He’s been a really good addition, I know Tommy has enjoyed his time here – he’s a big part of what we’re trying to do.”
Wolves can sign Tommy Doyle for £4.3 million
When Wolves signed Doyle on loan from Man City, an option to buy him for £4.3 million was inserted in his contract.
For a talented youngster currently starring for England under-21s, acquiring the midfield maestro for such a low fee would be a bargain for Wolves.
Arguably the best passer of a ball in the Wanderers squad, Doyle ranks in the top 10% of Premier League midfielders for passes attempted per game and the top 24% for progressive passes.
The Englishman always looks to play forward and has demonstrated his class when he has featured.
Most Wolves supporters will be desperate for the club to sign him permanently, so it’s promising to hear O’Neil’s stance on the player, who sees him as a big part of his plans moving forward.