Shropshire Star

The Championship strikers Wolves could consider for summer

There is a decent amount of the season still to go, but thoughts are also on what business Wolves might do in the summer.

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Ivan Toney (PA)

You would imagine they will go about strengthening the spine of the team, with centre-back, central midfield and centre forward all seemingly areas to reinforce.

And in terms of strikers, with Wolves having struggled for goals all season, perhaps the Championship is worth a look – Willian Jose yet to score and Fabio Silva still developing while star man Raul Jimenez works his way back from injury.

Interestingly, seven of the current top 21 scorers in the Premier League were snapped up from Football League clubs.

So, here are four striking suggestions from the second tier.

Ivan Toney

The Championship’s leading scorer – by a fair distance, too – is Brentford hitman Toney.

He had big shoes to fill, directly replacing Ollie Watkins who left for Villa last summer. But he has relished that responsibility, netting a whopping 25 times in 33 league appearances.

Toney would not come cheap. There is talk over a £30million price tag and if the Bees go up, you would imagine they will be in a good position to keep hold of him.

It would be a risky move and the fee probably too hefty considering Jimenez is expected to remain the go-to attacker.

But he is a player who has previously been on Wolves’ radar.

They very nearly got him when he was 18 and playing for Northampton, for just £500,000. Toney was set to join under Kenny Jackett in 2014 but failed a medical.

Joao Pedro

Wolves like to sign young players with high ceilings of potential, and Watford’s Pedro certainly fits that bill.

Joao Pedro (PA)

The 19-year-old Brazilian has enjoyed a breakthrough season for the Hornets, who are currently second.

Capable of leading the line or playing as a No.10, he has scored nine times and earned rave reviews from their boss, Xisco Munoz.

“We know Joao Pedro is an exciting player. He’s a brilliant striker, and I know also he scores a lot of goals,” said Munoz.

“I have a very good squad but I am happy with Joao because right now, he’s working hard and also in defence. He does very good things for the team in defence and offence.”

Given Watford signed him back in October 2018 before having to wait 18 months for his arrival because of work permit issues, getting him would be a battle.

There is also an argument Wolves could do with more experience, given he is only a year older than Silva, but the sell-on value could appeal.

A full campaign in the Championship should stand him in good stead as well.

Lucas Joao

Somebody who would most likely be available for cheaper than the other two but still has a favourable goal record is Reading target man Joao.

The 6ft 4in Portuguese is fourth in the Championship goal chart, with 18 in 29 matches.

Lucas Joao (PA)

He has also chipped in with six assists for the Royals.

Joao, now 27, has spent his formative years in England – first arriving at Sheffield Wednesday six years ago and also having a loan spell at Blackburn before joining Reading.

He boasts two Portugal caps from 2015, too, playing alongside Wolves’ Rui Patricio and Ruben Neves.

Teemu Pukki

If Norwich go up – as is most likely the case with them 10 points clear at the minute – Pukki is almost certain to stay.

But in the event of a late drop-off, maybe he would be worth considering.

Teemu Pukki (PA)

After coming flying out of the traps but then falling away in the Premier League, he has found his shooting boots again this season with 20 goals. He knows where the net is.