Dave Edwards wages a ‘stumbling block’ for Shrewsbury Town

Edwards, who is out of contract at Reading at the end of the season, has expressed an interest in going back to Salop, where he played between 2003 and 2007.

Ricketts knows the 32-year-old well from their time as team-mates at Wolves, and with Wales.

He said: “I think there’d always be a chance as he’s from the area.

“But he’s playing for a Championship club and he’s a very good player. He’s a great professional and really dedicated, so he wouldn’t be short of offers.

“Edo’s in a bracket where he’s earned the right to earn what he earns, which is well out of our price range.

“That would be a big stumbling block if it ever was to come up.

“But if he said ‘I’ll come and play for you for free’, then I’m not going to say no.”

But, although financing deal could prove difficult, Ricketts has not ruled it out.

After all, he is looking to trim his squad – and that could help facilitate such a marquee signing.

“I think we’re a large squad anyway. We’ve got a few too many players, to be honest with you,” said Ricketts.

“I say that from my point of view, but it’s also not fair on the players as players want to play. We could probably do with trimming that slightly.”

Edwards, who has 43 Wales caps and played a part in their run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, has played 32 times for Reading.

He moved to the Madejski Stadium in August 2017 after nine years with Wolves which included Championship and League One title triumphs.

“He started off here many years ago and has gone on to have a great career,” added Ricketts.

“He’s still young in terms of footballers nowadays so he’s got many, many years left in him.

“Edo, probably similarly to myself, has made the most of his ability.

“And that’s one of the biggest compliments you can give to someone, that they’ve got the most out of their body.

“He’d probably fall into that category.”