Wolves look for Irwin to bolster squad

Denis Irwin, Manchester United's veteran full-back, is a surprise target for Premiership-bound Wolverhampton Wanderers. Irwin's time at Old Trafford may be up, but he would like one more year at the top level before he retires and Wolves, second in the First Division, are keen to give him that chance.

The Wolves manager Dave Jones watched Irwin in the reserves last week and is aware that he has a chance of tempting the former Republic of Ireland defender to the club.

Irwin has been on the brink of moving before but kept signing on for more glory at United, but this time could be his final farewell. Wolves would be ideal for him – just an hour away from his family base – and Jones is in the market for experienced and quality players.

Jones is looking for two new full-backs with Kevin Muscat leaving for Rangers and Momo Camara filling a gap at left-back, and the versatile Irwin covers for both positions.

The Blackburn manager Graeme Souness is ready to make a bid for Israel's captain Shimon Gershon, a £1.5m-rated defender who plays for the Uefa Cup quarter-finalists Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

Souness sent his scout Terry Darracott to see Gershon in action against Milan. Darracott will watch the defender again in a league game in Israel today and the signs are that a deal could be made soon.

Everton had Gershon on trial before the season started but pulled out because Walter Smith was short of money. Now the 24-year-old could fulfil his dream of coming to England as Blackburn look to improve their back four next season.

Meanwhile, Blackburn have suspended Jonathan Walters for a breach of club discipline. The 18-year-old was a member of the Blackburn team who reached the final of the FA Youth Cup last season. Blackburn lost the two-leg final 6-3 on aggregate to Arsenal, but Walters scored as Rovers won their home leg 3-1.

The Rovers chief executive John Williams said: "Jonathan Walters has been suspended for a breach of club discipline. He is currently having trials with another club."