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DOUGIE Freedman wants at least two new wingers on board by the start of the season in order to make Chris Eagles the centre of attention.
It is understood the Whites boss plans to play last season’s top scorer behind a main striker if he can land some quality signings over the summer.
Eagles finished last term with 12 goals, including three in his last three games. Freedman believes he could prove even more influential playing in the hole between midfield and attack, particularly with Mark Davies still some way short of a first-team return.
Much will depend on whether the Whites boss can add some competition on the wings.
Martin Petrov was sold off in January after concerns over his form and fitness, while the remaining two years of Gregg Wylde’s contract were also terminated officially this week.
That leaves Chung-Yong Lee as the only other recognised senior winger in the squad, although Marvin Sordell, Craig Davies and David Ngog have all played briefly in wider roles with varying success.
Academy products Chris Lester, recently capped by Northern Ireland Under-21s, and Samni Odelusi are also tipped to challenge next season.
Freedman has already strengthened his defence with full-back Marc Tierney and the signing of Alex Baptiste is still regarded as a formality at the Reebok despite a fresh wave of speculation yesterday that linked Crystal Palace with an attempt to hijack the deal.
He is also known to want at least one more striker after a lack of goals up front became a problem last season.
Eagles has an enviable scoring record at Championship level, notching 34 goals in his last three seasons in the second tier.
But Wanderers want him to play a more central role and have now started investigating potential signings on the flanks.
One of the names thought to be in the frame is West Ham youngster Rob Hall, who played just 36 minutes in a two-month loan spell last season.
Nottingham Forest are also in for the England Under-20 international who is currently out of contract at Upton Park.
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It is understood the Whites boss plans to play last season’s top scorer behind a main striker if he can land some quality signings over the summer.
Eagles finished last term with 12 goals, including three in his last three games. Freedman believes he could prove even more influential playing in the hole between midfield and attack, particularly with Mark Davies still some way short of a first-team return.
Much will depend on whether the Whites boss can add some competition on the wings.
Martin Petrov was sold off in January after concerns over his form and fitness, while the remaining two years of Gregg Wylde’s contract were also terminated officially this week.
That leaves Chung-Yong Lee as the only other recognised senior winger in the squad, although Marvin Sordell, Craig Davies and David Ngog have all played briefly in wider roles with varying success.
Academy products Chris Lester, recently capped by Northern Ireland Under-21s, and Samni Odelusi are also tipped to challenge next season.
Freedman has already strengthened his defence with full-back Marc Tierney and the signing of Alex Baptiste is still regarded as a formality at the Reebok despite a fresh wave of speculation yesterday that linked Crystal Palace with an attempt to hijack the deal.
He is also known to want at least one more striker after a lack of goals up front became a problem last season.
Eagles has an enviable scoring record at Championship level, notching 34 goals in his last three seasons in the second tier.
But Wanderers want him to play a more central role and have now started investigating potential signings on the flanks.
One of the names thought to be in the frame is West Ham youngster Rob Hall, who played just 36 minutes in a two-month loan spell last season.
Nottingham Forest are also in for the England Under-20 international who is currently out of contract at Upton Park.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]
