Crawley and Coventry dismiss link with Wolves forward Leon Clarke

Wolves striker Leon Clarke was today told he is not on the wanted list of Crawley and Coventry.

Injuries have seen Clarke struggle to make an impact since returning to Molineux in a £750,000 deal in January.

The 29-year-old was linked with a surprise season-long loan move to Crawley at the weekend, which has since been dismissed by Wolves.

Clarke played briefly on loan at Crawley in 2012 on loan from Charlton.

But Crawley boss John Gregory said: "I've had no conversations with Leon or anyone else from Wolves.

"I wish it was true but they paid £750,000 for him and he is earning around £10,000 per week so I don't think it will happen."

Sixty per cent of fans who voted in a poll held among Coventry fans in their local paper said they would welcome Clarke back.

But Sky Blues boss Steven Pressley insists other non-footballing factors would prevent him signing Clarke again.

Pressley criticised Clarke for "letting his team-mates down" when refusing to play in a 2-0 defeat at Leyton Orient, citing a foot injury sustained in their 4-0 FA Cup defeat away to Arsenal.

This came after he submitted a transfer request within hours of Wolves' first bid being made public.

"When we allowed him to go to Wolves the decision wasn't made purely on football considerations; there were one or two other factors that came into it and I felt it was the right time for both parties to move on," said Pressley.

"No, I won't be trying to sign Leon if he becomes available.

"I'm looking for a Leon Clarke type of striker and he undeniably fits the bill, but that moment has gone."

Pressley is searching for a partner for Callum Wilson, who has been the subject of Wolves' interest.

"In Leon's absence Callum rose to the challenge," said the Scot. "He proved he could be a threat without Leon and although he didn't score in the final few games, his overall goals ratio was excellent."

"But I'm committed to playing with two men up front and I want to recreate that combination because it struck fear into the opposition."