Jorgen Strand Larsen 'pretty happy' to still be at Wolves as he explains scoring struggles

The Norway international confirmed he was open to joining Newcastle after the Magpies saw two bids, the second worth around £55million, rejected in the final days of the transfer window.

Instead he remained at Molineux and signed a new five-year contract, just two months after joining permanently for £23m from Celta Vigo following a successful season on loan.

Asked about how close he came to joining Newcastle by the Norwegian newspaper, Dagbladet, Strand Larsen replied: “Close enough. Of course, there was a lot of interest. 

“It was something we were open to - me, Tore Pedersen (my agent) and my gang. But I stayed and I'm pretty happy with that too.

"The plan was to be in Wolverhampton for three or four years and then move on. When the interest comes after just one year, it shows that I'm in the right place. 

“I got a clear message from Wolverhampton that I'm not for sale.”

Strand Larsen, currently away with the Norway squad, is now focused on rediscovering the form which saw him score 14 goals last season.

The 25-year-old is yet to find the net in the Premier League and says his struggles are partly down to a lingering Achilles injury suffered in the early weeks of the campaign.

“I rarely bother to complain about other things,” he said. “But I've struggled a lot with injuries. Being in the middle of a situation like that is not easy. 

“The body has started to play on its own lately. It's a great opportunity to show off now.

“It’s not easy to go into a match and always have something in the back of your mind. But the goals will come.

“I need to get back on my feet and feel a little better than I have lately. I need to start scoring goals. I need to be myself. It's getting closer.”