Wolverhampton Wanderers have opened discussions over an improved contract with Jorgen Strand Larsen after rejecting two bids from Newcastle United in the final stages of the summer transfer window and successfully keeping him at Molineux, according to Telegraph journalist John Percy.
The striker was pinpointed as a target by the Magpies as they prepared to sanction the £125million sale of Alexander Isak to reigning Premier League champions Liverpool, but Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira held firm and were unwilling to allow him to embark on a fresh challenge before last week's deadline.
Strand Larsen Holding Contract Discussions
Jorgen Strand Larsen in action for Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves have entered talks with Strand Larsen over fresh terms after fending off proposals from Newcastle, according to respected reporter Percy, and there is confidence that an agreement will be reached within the next few weeks even though a release clause is unlikely to be included in a potential new contract.
The Norway international, who has been described as 'incredible' thanks to his prolific form since joining Wanderers, was deemed not for sale when he was the subject of interest from St James' Park and there is determination to hand him a more lucrative pay package after key decision-makers at Molineux managed to hold onto him.
Percy has revealed that Wolves have initiated conversations with Strand Larsen's representatives after initially planning to reward him with an improved contract following the closure of the summer transfer window, while Newcastle had offers worth up to £55million rebuffed as chairman Jeff Shi was not prepared to offload him at any price.
The West Midlands outfit had already allowed Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha to make high-profile moves away from Molineux ahead of the campaign getting underway, with the latter's move to Manchester United allowing Wanderers to pocket a club-record fee, and they did not want the 25-year-old to follow in their footsteps.
Although Strand Larsen still has close to four years remaining on his current deal, he is among Wolves' lowest earners thanks to getting his hands on £15,000-per-week, leading to his current employers acknowledging that they need to reward him after he quickly adjusted to the rigours of the Premier League.
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