TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook interviewed Wolves boss Vitor Pereira after his side’s 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.
Pereira gave an update on striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has been the subject of interest from Newcastle United in recent weeks.
The Portuguese manager was firm in his response following another defeat for his Wolves side, not only claiming his team need three new players, but warning club chiefs that 14-goal striker Strand Larsen must not be sold.
In recent weeks, Newcastle have enquired about the possibility of signing the towering Norwegian, and were reportedly told the fee could be up to £60m + add-ons, despite signing for Wolves permanently for £23m this summer, after his stellar loan spell in the West Midlands.
Pereira deems Strand Larsen vital to his plans this season and reiterated that Wolves ‘could not afford’ to lose him, as Crook revealed on X after Saturday’s game:
“Vitor Pereira told me after the game that#Wolves need three new players between now and the end of the transfer window. Also said they could not afford to lose#NUFC target Strand-Larsen.” (Alex Crook)
During the game, Strand Larsen only managed one shot and 5 touches in the Bournemouth box, before being forced off with 10 minutes to go due to an injury.
It has been reported the Norwegian striker picked up an Achilles injury, however, it’s not deemed to be a serious issue.
While on the bench, Strand Larsen was seen photographed with his head in his hands, clearly frustrated at his performance and the way he left the pitch. Wolves lack of creativity was a real low point in an unimaginative performance, hindered by centre back Toti Gomes getting a second yellow card in the 48th minute.
Fans online have slated Strand Larsen for his performance, only getting 31 touches of the ball throughout the entire game and a poor 67% pass accuracy (14/21 passes completed).
Discussing his display on X, one observer said: “Never seen a player so disinterested thanStrand Larsen this afternoon.. Moping around all game, going half a**** into 50/50s. Looks like a player playing for a move”