Express & Star

Wolves boss Nuno expecting 'normal' transfer developments

Nuno Espirito Santo is relaxed about Wolves' transfer situation – as he revealed two youngsters will be in his squad for tomorrow's historic game against Crusaders.

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Wolves face the Northern Irish side in their first fixture in European competition since October 1980.

They do so without having signed a 'new' player this summer, with their two additions being Raul Jimenez (£32million) and Leander Dendoncker (£12m) who were with the club on loan last season.

Speaking at today's pre-match press conference, Nuno said: "We know what we have to do, the approach on the market is being done on the club. We still have time, things will go normally."

When asked about AC Milan striker Patrick Cutrone, who Wolves are believed to be chasing, he added: "We don't speak about players who aren't in the squad. The links don't mean anything. The work we do indoors is what is important, what goes in the press, it's normal in these moments of the market.

"Every day there is speculation. But we don't care and we don't mention anything about it."

It was put to Nuno that he seemed relaxed about the situation. "I'm always like this," he said.

The Wolves boss revealed that Matt Doherty, sidelined with a knee injury, is recovering but won't be in the squad tomorrow.

He suggested that Raul Jimenez and Romain Saiss, who missed the tour of China owing to international commitments in the summer, could feature as they are 'ready – they are fit and healthy' and said youngsters Dion Sanderson (right wing-back/centre-back) and Taylor Perry (attacking midfielder) will be in his squad.

The head coach also spoke of his pride at being the first Wolves boss in four decades to lead the team into Europe.

"A lot of pride because I'm the manager of a fantastic group of men who want every day to improve," he said.

"It's our third year, we know each other better than before so we expect things to improve.

"I visit the museum, it proves how big Wolves are, let's try to do it again."

Defender Conor Coady joined Nuno in the pre-match press conference and said Wolves' summer preparation had been ideal as they build up to starting their campaign on July 25.

"It's something we want to take as strongly as possible, there's an excitement building which we can't wait for," he said of Wolves' return to Europe.

"I think we prepared in the right way last week in China, it was roasting out there.

"It's better when competitive games come around quicker because they're a lot better than friendlies.

"It's fantastic and represents where this club has come in the past few years.

"It's a big game for us and everyone is excited about it."