Wolves are maintaining that Newcastle United target Jorgen Strand Larsen is not for sale this summer, with manager Vitor Pereira stressing that he considers the Norwegian striker very central to his 2025/26 plans.
Eddie Howe and Newcastle have come in for the star forward several times, most recently submitting an improved £55 million bid as they look to replace wantaway rebel Alexander Isak this window.
Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here
Bet on the EPL With Unibet Here
Should Newcastle – or any other quieter suitors – have come forward earlier in the play, there’s every chance Strand Larsen may have moved, but Wolves and Pereira now agree there’s not enough time to find a proven replacement. That means they’re knocking back every offer that comes their way for the striker, even if it caps out above a rich £60m.
That stance has already proven wise, with Strand Larsen scoring twice in Tuesday’s League Cup win over West Ham.
The 25-year-old did agree on personal terms some time ago, but that means little without a club-level deal.
And worse for Newcastle’s signing hopes, Strand Larsen doesn’t appear overly interested in pulling a similar move to the Geordie’s top attacking option, Isak, in refusing to play for the club until they agree to accept any bids.
Are you reading on our app? Download now for the best Sporting Base experience.
Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here
While the Norwegian is keen to play for Newcastle and test himself in a stronger Premier League side, he refuses to agitate for a sale out of respect for Wolves. He’s also not overly fussed whether he ends up at St James Park this summer or gets a move somewhere else within the next year – he backs himself to keep playing at a high level.
More EPL news
No quarter: Newcastle tells on-strike Isak he ‘must stay’ after rogue social post
Dream collapses: Madrid already looking into Alexander-Arnold sale
Should it all unravel for Newcastle, it becomes a bit of an embarrassing transfer window. They already missed out on Hugo Ekitike (who went to Liverpool), Benjamin Sesko (now at Manchester United), Joao Pedro, and Liam Delap (both Chelsea).
And, most famously, they shipped off Callum Wilson and have now ostracised Isak at the same time.
When they face Leeds this week, it’s likely William Osula will play nine.
