Nedum Onuoha is in big demand

Wolves and West Brom were today braced for a bidding war for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.

QPR and Wolves were today reported as both having made a £2.5m offer for the Nigeria-born stopper.

But although the 25-year-old remains a firm target of Wolves, they have denied making such an offer.

"This is not true – it's complete speculation," said chief executive Jez Moxey.

Albion have a long-standing interest in Onuoha and the club were close to signing the 25-year-old on loan in the last window, while Wolves' interest was first reported in the Express & Star last month.

The Baggies were only planning to use the loan market this month, although injuries to Steven Reid and Jonas Olsson might force them to reconsider.

Bolton, Blackburn and Wigan, as well as Newcastle and Sunderland – where Onuoha spent last season on loan – have also been heavily linked with him.

The stopper has been made available on a permanent transfer this month by Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini.

But Lancashire sources say Onuoha is likely to be too expensive now for a move to the Reebok or Ewood Park.

Meanwhile, Bristol City boss Derek McInnes has denied any contact from Wolves over striker Nicky Maynard.

Reports say Wolves have offered £1.5m for the 25-year-old, who has been the subject of speculation after refusing to sign a new contract with his deal running out this summer.

But former Albion midfielder McInnes said: "There is no truth in these rumours.

"As things stand, we have still not received a single bid for Nicky Maynard.

"Players like him are few and far between and, of course, I want to keep him here if I can.

"I cannot control what other people do, but Nicky is a very good player and I want to work with good players."