Craddock returned to Wolves' defence alongside Christophe Berra in March

Wolves have confirmed they are talking to club captain Jody Craddock about staying on at Molineux for their return to the Premier League.

The 33-year-old defender, signed before Wolves' last return to the top flight in July 2003, is out of contract.

But he proved a real mainstay late on last season after a long-term injury.

Meanwhile, Wolves have released three youngsters, injury-jinxed winger Lewis Gobern, 24, and utility players Alex Melbourne, 19, and Matt Bailey, 20.

Following loan spells at Hartlepool, Blackpool and Bury, Gobern made a favourable impression shortly after Mick McCarthy became Wolves manager in 2006.

But, largely due to injuries, he failed to make another first-team appearance for Wolves after December of that year. And he finished this season out on loan again at Colchester.

"It is unfortunate that the injury problems Lewis has suffered mean that he probably hasn't been able to fulfil his undoubted potential here at Wolves," said chief executive Jez Moxey.

"We all saw glimpses of what he could do but sadly not for any sustained period of time."

Bailey, 20, has spent time on loan at non-league sides Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers. But neither he nor Melbourne, 19, had been involved at first-team level for Wolves.

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