Wolves have declined a second offer from Newcastle for striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who netted two goals in their victory over West Ham on Tuesday.
The Magpies submitted a £55m bid after an initial £50m offer was rejected earlier this week.
Wolves are unwilling to part with the Norway international, primarily due to the limited time left to find a replacement before the transfer window closes on Monday, and also because of Strand Larsen’s importance to their chances of staying in the Premier League.
Newcastle is in search of additional attacking options, especially with Alexander Isak attempting to secure a move to Liverpool.
The Swedish forward has not played this season and is currently at an impasse with the Magpies.
Strand Larsen, who recently made his loan from Celta Vigo permanent for £23m this summer, came off the bench to score twice in the last eight minutes, helping Wolves defeat West Ham 3-2 in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
After the match, manager Vitor Pereira did not dismiss the possibility of a sale, despite wanting to retain the forward.
He stated that “football is football, and every player has a price, even [Lionel] Messi or Cristiano [Ronaldo]. I understand the nature of the sport, but keeping him is crucial for us.
“We’ll see what unfolds. If it were up to me, he would definitely stay. He is a key player.”
Read also:
- Arsenal target Leverkusen defender Hincapie
- Saka set to miss up to 4 weeks through injury
- Warri Wolves secure first away win
Newcastle is an appealing option for Strand Larsen, who scored 14 Premier League goals last season, but he has maintained a professional demeanor, and Pereira believes the 25-year-old will not push for a transfer.
Pereira remarked, “I’ve known many players in similar situations who have asked not to play, but he wants to be on the pitch and contribute to the team. In the seven or eight months I’ve spent with him, I’ve come to know him well.
“He would never force a move. However, we understand that football is unpredictable, and we must be prepared for anything. Still, I want to keep our best players.”
Isak’s situation at Newcastle has created some fallout, and Wolves are currently feeling the effects.
As the striker seeks a transfer to Liverpool, the Magpies are scrambling in the final days of the transfer window.
They have shown interest in Porto’s Samu Aghehowa, but have hesitated at the £60m asking price for a 21-year-old who scored 27 goals last season.
A potential deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has also not materialized, with the Bees rejecting two offers, the latest being £40m for last season’s 19-goal forward.
Like Brentford, Wolves have resisted the temptation of big money after two bids for Strand Larsen and are determined not to sell the 25-year-old.
With limited time left in the transfer window, finding a replacement for the Norway international would be challenging, especially as Wolves are still looking to add other strikers to support him.
He is their most effective player, and preserving their Premier League status is far more valuable than the current transfer offers. Losing him could jeopardize Wolves’ position in the top flight.
