Wolves’ Matt Doherty suggests he was keeping options open before signing new deal

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The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender was linked with a move to Leeds United at one stage.

Matt Doherty in action for Wolves (right)

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Matt Doherty has admitted to putting contract negotiations on hold earlier this year. The Irishman, who along with teammate Danny Batth was linked with a move to Leeds United during the summer transfer window (Mirror), has today (Tuesday) signed a new four-year deal at Molineux.

But speaking to Wolves’ official website afterwards, Doherty implied he was keeping his options open due to a combination of Wanderers’ poor form and their subsequent change of manager.

“We started negotiations at the back end of last season but we weren’t playing that well so it was decided to leave it,” he said.

Nuno Espirito Santo, the Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach

“There was then a change of head coach (Paul Lambert making way for Nuno Espirito Santo) and you are never sure if you are going to be involved.

“He told me I was in his plans and started the season quite well.”

Despite Wolves recruiting several others in Doherty’s position, the 25-year-old has played every single minute for Nuno’s side, who are level with Leeds at the top of the Championship ahead of the latest round of fixtures.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson in action for Wolves (right)

Neither side, then, is likely to have too many complaints about how things panned out, with Leeds later adding Vurnon Anita and Cameron Bortwick-Jackson – formerly of Wolves – to their full-back options.

The two sides are scheduled to meet at Molineux at the end of November.

Did Doherty make the right call staying at Wolves, despite reported Leeds interest?