Kenny Jackett expects Bakary Sako interest

Kenny Jackett admits Wolves' top scorer Bakary Sako has probably already been approached about his next move as Albion and Villa have reportedly made him pre-contract offers. more

A French website claims the 14-goal Mali international, who is out of contract in June, has been made offers by the two West Midlands Premier League rivals.

Sako was the subject of rejected bids of £2m from Albion, QPR and an un-named foreign club in January when Villa were also linked.

But with his contract up at the end of the season, Wolves head coach Jackett isn't surprised by the interest rearing its head again.

Asked if he thought clubs had made contact, the Molineux chief said: "I'm sure that does happen and that's why people have agents.

"I'm sure any agent will be assessing the possibilities. I'd be naive if I said otherwise.

"His contract is up at the end of the season and I would think he'll have options and will be sought after."

Having joined the club in a different financial climate, Sako earns around £25,000-a-week, which is way above anyone else apart from Colorado-bound Kevin Doyle.

But Jackett remains steadfast in his belief that Wolves could yet tempt the 26-year-old to stay - even if they remain in the Championship.

"Is the door closed at Wolves? No it isn't," said the boss.

"We would all love to keep him, but it's not going to be sorted out before the end of the season.

"It's not something I've spoken to him about. We'll talk to Sako at the end of the season and discuss the situation then."

Turkish club Besiktas and Russian outfit Dynamo Moscow are the other clubs being linked with a move for Sako.

Meanwhile, Jackett has defended his decision to rest Scott Golbourne and Nouha Dicko in Tuesday's 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough ahead of tomorrow lunchtime's televised visit of Ipswich.

Both players came on - Golbourne at half-time - as Wolves chased a 2-0 deficit.

And Jackett said: "At Birmingham we didn't have the intensity or the running perhaps we needed.

"So I thought Dave Edwards was the right player to give us that energy and he played well and did very well for the goal.

"Similarly, Nouha Dicko made a difference when he came on."