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Kit Symons: Kevin McDonald pursuit dead

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Wolves look to have successfully fought off interest from Championship rivals Fulham for star midfielder Kevin McDonald.

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Cottagers boss Kit Symons had declared the club's interest in the Scot 'dead' after they signed Finland midfielder Sakari Mattila from Norwegian club Aalesunds.

McDonald's future has been up in the air for weeks and Fulham had two bids of around £1m rejected. The 26-year-old is out-of-contract next summer and talks have stalled over a new deal. Those talks remain on the back burner, with Wolves chief Kenny Jackett having urged McDonald – expected to feature at Blackburn tomorrow after recovering from a back injury – to concentrate on his football.

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Symons said of the McDonald latest: "I think certainly that one has gone quiet now. We have signed the Finnish international Sakari Mattila, so I think that one is dead now."

Meanwhile Jackett has backed Wolves to cope without Bakary Sako as they embark on a new Championship campaign.

New Palace signing Sako either scored or assisted 68 goals in the past three seasons – more than any midfielder in the top four divisions.

Kevin McDonald of Wolverhampton Wanderers

"The team has to cope and develop," Jackett said.

"We've brought in young Sheyi Ojo who's a natural left winger who gives balance on that side.

"We have to make sure other areas of the field help us compensate. And we need certain players to take the lead and become your best and most dominant players.

"It'll be interesting to see how this group shows up. The first 10 games will give us a great insight into the type of season we have.

We had at times quality, enthusiasm, athleticism, we have to keep those and improve on them if we can."

Teenage centre half Aaron Hayden has joined League Two side Newport County on loan for a month.

Wingers Ryan Colclough and Ryan Hiwat, who have both been on trial, will not be offered deals. Colclough has re-signed for League One side Crewe Alexandra.