Express & Star

Wolves prepared to bankroll search for striker

Substantial funds will be made available to buy the right striker in a change in tack on Wolves' summer budget, the Express & Star understands.

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Wolves have already spent £19million but are prepared to take a financial risk with a promotion-chasing campaign looking more likely after a flying start to the season.

Up to now they have predominantly been looking at the loan market – with Southampton youngster Sam Gallagher among many on their radar.

However it's believed that a sizeable figure will be freed up by owners Fosun – but only for the right player.

That's despite ongoing concerns about breaking Financial Fair Play regulations if Wolves aren't promoted to the Premier League.

Nouha Dicko, who has scored two goals already this season, and Al-Hilal loanee Leo Bonatini who netted on his debut against Middlesbrough are Wolves' only two senior out-and-out strikers, with Joe Mason now on the fringes and expected to move on.

Nuno Espirito Santo's preference is believed to be for a technical forward who can link the play with one-touch passes.

Norwich City striker Nelson Oliveira is on Wolves' shortlist. The 26-year-old Portuguese international scored 15 goals in 31 games for the Canaries last season but had started this season on the bench amid rumours of a falling out with new boss Daniel Farke.

However, Gestifute client Oliveira started and scored in last night's 2-0 win over QPR and told Portugese media this week: "I do not know about Wolverhampton's possible interest, I admire Nuno Espirito Santo as coach and I even have friends at Wolves, but I'm happy at Norwich.

"I'm totally adapted and I feel cherished at the club, my coach is great and he likes me. There is no problem between us and we have a team to fight for the climb. I am totally focused on Norwich."

Sheffield Wednesday front-man Jordan Rhodes is also believed to be a target, but in this instance Wolves would prefer a loan deal for the 27-year-old.

The Owls are keen to sell for the right price but Wolves aren't convinced about spending an eight-figure sum on a player Wednesday bought for £10m at the start of the summer.

That deal was pre-arranged when Wednesday loaned Rhodes from Middlesbrough in January but he hasn't impressed for the Yorkshire club, scoring just three goals in 24 appearances.

Wednesday also have Fernando Forestieri and ex-Wolves strikers Stephen Fletcher and Sam Winnall on their books and it's thought they would be willing to sell him if they can recoup their £10m fee.