Danny Batth: Sako will stay at Molineux

Captain Danny Batth today hinted Bakary Sako is ready to reject offers to leave Wolves and help the club win promotion.

Sako, who is out of contract this summer, is the subject of interest from arch rivals Albion with a host of top-flight clubs watching his progress at the African Cup of Nations.

But Batth believes the 26-year-old won't be crossing the Black Country divide and will devote all his attentions to getting Wolves into the top flight when he returns from Equatorial Guinea.

"I'd like to think everyone in the team could (play in the Premier League)," said Batth.

"That's what we're all working towards and I'm sure Sako wants to be part of that.

"He's a Wolves player so Wolves have the chance to speak to him and it would be nice for that to happen.

"I'm sure Wolves are doing everything they can to talk to Sako and I'm sure something will happen at some point.

"He's a good player and hopefully he'll be here in the future at Wolves.

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"We want to keep our best players around us."

Batth understands why Sako has become a top attraction after becoming a more rounded player in the two-and-a-half years since his £2.5m arrival from St. Etienne.

"Sako's a good player and I think him playing for his country is a great thing as well, it shows everyone what a good player we've got here at Wolves," said the skipper.

"He's really improved as well. When he came over he was a really good flair player, but he's added the steel and the other side of the game, the defending and tracking back. He's also a good character – he gets along with the lads and speaks good English.

"He's a good person to have in the changing room – he's a good lad, he's got a bit about him and brings a bit to the table.

"He expresses himself well and comes across on the pitch as perhaps he is off the pitch as well."