Mick McCarthy’s summer transfer wish-list is beginning to take shape with the Blues boss plotting a promotion push next season.

With former Bristol City skipper Cole Skuse set to become Town’s first summer signing on a three-year deal, we understand McCarthy is set to raid former club Wolves for club captain Karl Henry and Republic of Ireland duo Kevin Doyle and Stephen Ward.

McCarthy is also keen on bringing Brentford’s highly-rated attacking midfielder Harry Forrester to Portman Road, having scouted the player this season and is the hunt for Notts County’s Alan Judge, who is also interesting Bolton and Charlton.

Forrester, who would command a fee, has scored 11 goals this season and could win promotion to the Championship with Brentford, should they win their League One play-off final against Yeovil on May 19.

The midfielder has not ruled out staying at Griffin Park, however, should Uwe Rosler’s men fail to reach the second tier.

Wolves skipper Henry is under contract until 2016 and has already stated a desire to lead the club back into the Championship, although his future could be dependant on Wanderers’ successor to Dean Saunders.

Doyle, under contract until 2015, and Ward, whose Wolves deal expires in 2016, are understood to be seeking fresh challenges and Celtic manager Neil Lennon’s is likely to rekindle his interest in him.

Ward, signed as a striker by McCarthy in January 2007, successfully converted to a left-back under the Town boss and has 18 caps for Republic of Ireland. Doyle has 53.

McCarthy poured cold water on speculation linking him with players from his former club last week, but has already proved that returning to Molineux for players bear fruit.

Defender Richard Stearman, who has now returned to Molineux, played a crucial role in Town’s successful survival mission this season while Frank Nouble, signed by Town assistant boss Terry Connor at Wolves, has also started to shine since moving to Suffolk for a cut-price £25,000.