Wolves want a striker and Derby County want Ben Marshall – so a January swap deal could solve both side’s problems.
Wolves’ pursuit of a striker is set to dominate the gossip columns during the January transfer window.
According to the Birmingham Mail recently, Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo has set his sights on a proven Championship goalscorer, and Chris Martin of Derby County is at the top of his list – along with Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle and Sunderland loanee Lewis Grabban.
But Wolves could kill two birds with one stone. According to The Sun (3rd December, page 65), the Championship leaders are planning to grease the wheels in the bid to bring Martin to Molineux by offering Derby Ben Marshall in exchange.
According to the Daily Star (14th December, page 48),it is understood that Rowett’s Rams are interested in Marshall along with Sheffield Wednesday, the talented winger who has started just one league game for Wolves all season and is reportedly available for transfer in January, as reported by the Express and Star.
With the likes of Diego Jota and Ivan Cavaleiro ahead of him in the pecking order, it seems that there is no place for the former Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City favourite in Wolves’ squad.
In contrast, Martin could come in far more handy. Though the Scotland international wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter, he would offer some much-needed back-up to Leo Bonatini, who is the only natural striker at Wolves’ disposal.
Though Martin has struggled for games and goals this season, he was Derby’s top scorer for three straight seasons before that bizarre loan move to Fulham in 2016/17.
And if Wolves can land Martin while getting rid of Marshall at the same time, they should be applauded for another astute piece of transfer business.
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