Express & Star

No Derby bid for Wolves' Benik Afobe

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There hasn't been a single enquiry made for Benik Afobe, Wolves boss Kenny Jackett insists, despite rumours of Championship rivals Derby County mounting a bid.

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Afobe is likely to be courted throughout the window, with Norwich City and Newcastle United known to be keeping tabs on the situation. But Jackett said not a single phone call had been made to ask about Afobe.

"We've had no calls about Benik," he said. "We haven't had a call from Derby, we haven't had an inquiry, we haven't had a bid.

"If it is coming, nothing's happened yet. We want to try to improve (the team) and move on if we can."

Afobe has played a different role of late with Wolves going safety-first to protect their fragile backline, leaving the striker often isolated up front.

How does Jackett think he's done? "Not bad. He's not had too many chances, which usually generally he can get chances.

"But as a side it's been needs must. He's been committed, worked hard and showed a good attitude and generally dug in.

"It very much depends if you can get the two wide men close to him.

"It sets out as a 4-3-3, with two in the midfield capable of joining quickly, there's potentially four players that can join that one single forward. As you get driven back, needs must, you have to defend, and that's where we've been."

Jordan Graham is rated 50/50 for Saturday's trip to West Ham with an ankle injury.

Carl Ikeme suffered with cramp at the end of the Brighton win, for which his performance earned him a place in the Football League team of the week.

Jackett added of his keeper: "His leadership in recent games has been very good. He's proud to play for Wolves and I think he's shown that."