Wolves players have broken protocol to mention the P word – insisting they would welcome new signings because they are desperate for promotion.

Players have been banned since July from talking about going up to avoid cranking up expectations. The stance has been maintained throughout Wolves’ stranglehold on the Championship that has been virtually unbroken since the end of August.

But, after Saturday’s 3-1 defeat by Preston, captain Karl Henry broke the silence and insisted he would welcome additions.

Henry said: “I don’t think anyone’s talked about it until now, but we’re top of the league and we want to get promoted. So any player who comes in and helps us achieve that is helping us towards our aim.”

Henry’s central midfield position is one manager Mick McCarthy is looking to improve on and Wolves have been linked with Bristol City’s Marvin Elliott, who is not for sale.

But Henry insists he would welcome the prospect of fresh faces to boost the squad this month.

“There are always going to be signings made. If players come in midfield to strengthen the squad, then it will only be good. I’ll never shirk any competition and I’d welcome it.

“I’d welcome any addition to the squad, because if it’s going to help us get promoted, then that’s the main thing here.”

Defeat to Preston left Wolves with two points from nine – their worst run of the season, but McCarthy stressed the message was “no panic.”

He said: “We’ve lost a match but we won’t panic. We’re a good side. All the questions that have been asked about me and the team, I think we’ve answered them in the first 26 games.

“I can’t take any positive from the performance, but we’re still four points clear with 19 games to go.”