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Rajiv van La Parra: I was on the brink of Wolves exit

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Dutch winger Rajiv van La Parra admits he came 'very close' to leaving Wolves – but is now fully focused on making it at Molineux.

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The 24-year-old was in talks with Leeds United and one other Championship club just before the transfer window closed, with Wolves prepared to let him go.

After failing to secure a move, Van La Parra returned to the club just as Kenny Jackett signed a winger in Nathan Byrne.

But with Jackett saying the Dutchman remains in his thoughts ­­– and reiterating his belief that Van La Parra is a good option up front – the former Heerenveen man said he was committed to staying, stating that he never wanted to leave Wolves.

He is likely to get a chance to impress in a much-changed team at Middlesbrough tonight in the Capital One Cup.

Van La Parra said: "I think I was very close to leaving but at the end it didn't go through.

"And that was the moment to straight away focus right back on Wolves.

Rajiv van La Parra of Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"To be honest it was difficult at that time with everything that was going on but now I know I am a Wolves player I will give everything I can for the club and try and help the team.

"It wasn't like I was pushing for a move – I am very happy to stay here.

"It wasn't about wanting to leave, but as a player you need to play games and that wasn't happening which is why the possible move came about.

"If I can get myself in the team here I will be delighted and I would love to stay here for years if I can.

"It has been a difficult time because last year I played a lot of games and at the start of the season I haven't played too much.

"It has been hard but now for me it is about proving myself, train hard and wait for my chance to get into the team."

Nouha Dicko's long-term injury means Wolves have a shortage of senior strikers at the club, with Benik Afobe and Adam Le Fondre supported by youngster Bright Enobakhare.

Van La Parra has occasionally played there since joining on a free transfer last summer.

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And while Van La Parra bemoaned the loss of his team mate and friend Dicko, he welcomed the chance to play up front.

"The gaffer has spoken to me and I know he is impressed with my qualities," Van La Parra added.

"I need to get myself into the team because then I will improve as well.

"He has told me to focus on the front positions and I have to use that to try and get back into the team.

"It doesn't matter where I play – I just want to try and be involved.

"It is very sad for Nouha because he is a very good friend of mine and I hope he gets well soon.

"If there is an opportunity I just have to focus on what I can do and get back in the team.

"It is a new experience for me being out of the team.

"It will make me stronger mentally and to come through will show I can do it and will help me – now it is up to me how I get on with that situation."

Jackett believes Van La Parra's pace is a big asset in the striker position.

And he called on the Dutchman to put the experience gained in his first season in English football to good use.

"I do still see him as an option as a striker," Jackett said of Van La Parra.

"I like strikers with pace and he has that.

"He can put his experience from last year to good use.

"It was his first year in English football and first year in the Championship and he is 24 now and coming into his time.

"I do feel that with the right partner that he can give teams problems as a centre forward.

"Like everybody he needs to do well and build confidence but his energy and athleticism on the front line can help us."