Wolves manager Mick McCarthy has stressed the importance of keeping hold of captain Jody Craddock as contract talks remain 'ongoing.'

Having won promotion back to the Premier League as champions, the Molineux boss views the 33-year-old as an integral part of his plans for next season and is keen for a deal to be agreed before the players return for pre-season training.

It is believed that Wolves have offered the experienced centre-half, who has prior experience of life among England's elite during a spell at Sunderland, a one-year extension similar to the previous agreement reached by both parties last summer.

Meanwhile, Wolves have also announced the departures of Lewis Gobern, Alex Melbourne and Matt Bailey who will leave the club under freedom of contract in July after the club decided not to offer the trio new deals.