Wolves hopes on Dindane dashed

Wolves target Aruna Dindane has appeared to dash the hopes of a Molineux move by revealing Panathinaikos is his preferred destination this summer.

The Lens striker is a confirmed name on the wish-list of boss Mick McCarthy, along with Anderlecht utility man Jelle van Damme and Hull winger Stephen Hunt among others.

But the club have denied meeting the French club's valuation, which Premier League rivals Blackburn and Bolton have already baulked at.

And now the player who spent this season on loan at Portsmouth has indicated his preference - with the lure of Champions League his top priority.

Dindane said: "My agent informed about a contact from Panathinaikos. I don't know how serious the interest of the club is, but I told him to proceed because I'm really interested.

"It's obvious I would choose Panathinaikos, who will participate in the Champions League and constantly fight for the league title in Greece.

"That's something very difficult to achieve at other clubs besides the top four in England and it's something that really excites me.

"If Panathinaikos agrees with Lens then joining them would become my top priority. I know a lot about Panathinaikos."

Wolves clearly need a convincing sales pitch to persuade Dindane his future could lie at Molineux - but there is time.

He said: "I'm not in a hurry though to decide my next step as there's plenty of time.

"I'm sure my decision will be made before the World Cup."

After Dindane passed a medical, Blackburn offered between £2million and £3million but are thought to have wanted further checks on his knee, after a cruciate ligament injury kept him out for most of last season.

Pompey could not afford the £4million asking price due in March, leaving the player's future up in the air.