Why Wolves should consider re-signing former international striker

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are experiencing somewhat of a crisis in front of goal.

Wolverhampton Wanderers languish in 19th position in the Championship, just five points from the relegation zone – having scored 38 goals from their 31 league games so far this season.

However, the absence of a striker in Wolves’ current top five goal scorers – midfielder Dave Edwards (9 goals), midfielder Helder Costa (8) winger Ivan Cavaleiro (4), winger Joe Mason (3) and defender Matt Doherty (3) – is cause for concern.

To compound the issue, inconsistent defensive starter Kortney Hause has scored the same number of goals (2) as regular centre-forward Jon Dadi Bodvarsson, and fellow central defender Danny Batth has scored more than Wolves’ other striker, Nouha Dicko – who is yet to get on the Championship scoresheet at all this season.

Indeed, no Wolves striker has bagged a goal since August – and with just two goals in a combined 47 appearances between them, the choice of Bodvarsson or Dicko is not one that guarantees any kind of goal threat whatsoever.

Whilst Dicko continues his recovery from a long injury lay-off, and Bodvarsson unable to find the back of the net, Wolves may well benefit from considering former loanee striker Carlton Cole – who is currently a free agent.

Cole, who played seven times for Wolves during a two month loan stint from Chelsea in 2002-03, has been without a club since leaving United Soccer League outfit Sacramento Republic – but has been keeping himself in shape by training with Premier League side West Ham United.

The seven-time capped England international was signed to Sacramento until January, so was unable to find a new footballing home until the expiration of his contract, however a potential short-term move to Wolves would seem beneficial for all parties.

For Cole, the man who was once described by Claudio Ranieri as the best young player the Italian had ever coached, a contract with Wolves for the remainder of the season would provide the near perfect opportunity to re-start his recently stumbling career – whilst the Molineux club would benefit from an experienced centre forward to provide assistance to the misfiring Dicko and Bodvarsson in an attempt to pull away from a potential relegation quagmire.