Wolves are not closing in on Jesse Lingard

Boss Kenny Jackett has returned from a European scouting mission playing down talk of Jesse Lingard joining Wolves as he cooled on signing a left-sided player.

Social media been awash with talk that the Manchester United youngster was joining Wolves on loan over the last week or so.

But, with the transfer window set to shut on Monday at 11pm, head coach Jackett maintains there is no interest in the 22-year-old.

The Molineux gaffer has returned from a two-day look-see on the continent with head of football development Kevin Thelwell, admitting he probably won't pursue a loan option to cover Bakary Sako.

The in-demand winger is set to return home after Mali were eliminated from the African Cup of Nations on lots, with Guinea going through to the quarter-finals.

Jackett insists his trip was to view more than one target and any potential deal was more likely to become active in the summer rather than now.

He said: "We're not close to any deals. We're not close to one for Jesse Lingard, whether that's to even bring him in on loan. It's not something we've pursued or are pursuing.

As for a temporary replacement for Sako, who now looks set to stay, Jackett said: "We've been looking over the last few weeks to see if we needed a loan.

"Funnily enough, our points total has been good since Sako's been away. But all the way along we've looked at potential loans to cover that period.

"Now it's looking as if Sako will come back next week so that's affected our thinking. It becomes perhaps less likely."

With two flights ahead of him over around 10 hours flying time, it seems unlikely that Sako will be considered for tomorrow's trip to Bolton.

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text="Should Wolves have made a move for Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard?" button="Log in and start commenting"]