Bakary Sako's Wolves future still up in the air

Winger Bakary Sako returns to Wolves for the start of pre-season training next week with his future still unresolved.

Premier League Fulham want the £4million-plus-rated winger and it's understood Wolves are aware that representatives of their most saleable asset are talking to the West London club.

Preliminary discussions have been held with the Craven Cottage outfit about the 25-year-old, although no agreement has been reached on a fee.

But, with Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey back from a short break, all parties have agreed to hold more talks in the first week of July, when it is hoped they can come to an arrangement.

If a fee and terms can't be agreed with Fulham, then Lyon, Marseille and Lille are all keen on bringing the former St Etienne wideman back to France.

However, Sako is keen to stay in England after a largely impressive first season, where he scored nine goals in 37 Championship games and was voted Player of the Year at Wolves.

Lille would have to sell at least two players to finance a move for Sako, and at the moment, it's understood Fulham are the only club Wolves are talking to.

While there is movement regarding Sako, interest is slower on some of the other high earners, such as Roger Johnson, Jamie O'Hara and Kevin Doyle.

The news means fans may be frustrated at a lack of movement on the transfer front after head of development Kevin Thelwell said on Monday that "space must be created" in the squad before players can be brought in.

Yet Wolves have been lining up targets behind the scenes for new head coach Kenny Jackett to assess and they are hopeful they will be able to move quickly when the time comes to pursue their targets.

Interest has also been lodged with Burnley's soon to be out-of-contract striker Martin Paterson, who has attracted the interest of six Championship clubs, including Wigan.

Sources close to Stoke-based Paterson indicate Wolves are the only League One club the 26-year-old would consider joining.

The Northern Ireland international was courted by Wolves in the loan window in the spring when Dean Saunders was in charge but a switch couldn't be agreed.