Wolves look like delaying young striker Sam Vokes’s temporary move until the end of the week – as they distanced themselves from reports of a loan fee.

Boss Mick McCarthy has agreed for the Wales international to return to the Championship on loan, as soon as either Sylvan Ebanks-Blake or Chris Iwelumo are available again.

Both are closing in on a return to full fitness in the countdown to Sunday’s Molineux clash against Fulham.

But McCarthy is believed to want to get that fixture out of the way before allowing Vokes to leave, so he’s not left short of numbers.

Yesterday, Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock revealed he had enquired about Vokes but was unable to sign him because of a ‘substantial loan fee’ which he claimed Newcastle and Middlesbrough had agreed to pay.

But with those two clubs, as well as Derby, Coventry, Watford, Doncaster and Swansea all interested in the 19-year-old, the player is unlikely to be going to Selhurst Park.

Chief executive Jez Moxey said: “As always, we’re not going to be talking about financial details.

“But Sam’s future is likely to be sorted out within the next few days.”