Wolves expecting Everton bid for Doyle

Wolves are waiting to see whether Everton firm up their interest in striker Kevin Doyle by making a concrete bid, it is understood.

Sources close to the midlands club insist the Toffees have not made official contact over the out-of-favour Doyle.

However, they are aware he has been on Everton’s radar for the past two months and have earmarked Newcastle’s Leon Best as a possible loan replacement should there be developments.

Doyle was Wolves' £6m record signing when he moved from Reading two-and-a-half years ago and played a major part in them staying in the Premier League in his first season at the club.

The Republic of Ireland international has not looked as effective since he suffered a knee injury when on duty for his country last March, however.

There is no suggestion that Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is keen to sell Doyle, but Steven Fletcher has taken over the mantle of number one striker and Doyle has been confined to the substitutes’ bench in recent weeks.

Wolves have slipped into the bottom three of the league as they prepare for tomorrow’s home clash with Liverpool.

But to date their only activity during the January transfer window has seen them sign Iceland midfielder Eggert Jonsson for £600,000 and take Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong on loan.