AS Sam Ricketts edged closer to the Reebok exit door, Matt Mills has stated his desire to stay and fight his corner with Wanderers.

Dougie Freedman confirmed yesterday that Wales international Ricketts was on the verge of a move to Wolves after being told he was no longer guaranteed first-team football.

The 31-year-old was at Molineux yesterday to speak with the League One club and is understood to be keen on reuniting with his former Swansea City mentor Kenny Jackett.

“Sam is very close to going to Wolves,” said the Whites boss. “He’s been a very good servant for this football club but I can’t honestly sit here and guarantee him a position in the team.

“Wolves have come in and we have accepted their offer, so it’s up to Sam. I think he’s down there talking with them today, in fact, trying to finalise a deal.”

Persistent rumours linking Mills with his former Reading boss Brian McDermott at Leeds United currently seem without foundation.

He has struggled following a £2million summer move.

It has been rumoured the Elland Road club have asked about a season-long loan after struggling to come up with the cash for a permanent deal.

Freedman says Mills is concentrating on earning a regular place in his team next season.

“There has been plenty written about Matt Mills but we have had nothing as we speak,” he said.

“I have spoken to him and he’s very comfortable fighting for his position in the team.

“There is nothing concrete at the moment, though.”

Mills managed 18 appearances last season, scoring once in a 2-1 win over Watford.

He spent just over four months out with a hamstring injury sustained just before Christmas but returned to play a few minutes off the bench against Huddersfield in April.