Wolves rejects massive £55m bid for Strand Larsen from Newcastle

Wolves have rejected a £55 million offer from Newcastle United for their in-form striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has become a top priority for the Magpies in the final days of the transfer window. This is the second bid Wolves has rebuffed, following an initial £50 million offer earlier this week.

Wolves' decision is driven by two key factors: the transfer window closes on Monday, giving the club very little time to find a replacement, and the undeniable value of Strand Larsen to their Premier League survival hopes. The 25-year-old only made his loan move from Celta Vigo permanent for £23 million this summer.

Newcastle's push for a new striker is a direct result of Alexander Isak's attempt to force a move to Liverpool. The Swedish forward is currently in a standoff with the club and has yet to play this season.

Strand Larsen, who came off the bench to score twice in a 3-2 EFL Cup victory over West Ham, remains a professional, according to manager Vitor Pereira. While Pereira admits every player has a price, he is firm in his desire to keep the Norwegian at the club.

"If it's my decision, of course [he stays]. He is a very important player," Pereira said after the match. "He will never force [a move]. Of course, we know football is football. You must be ready for everything, but I want to keep the best players and this kind of player with us."

Last season, Strand Larsen scored 14 Premier League goals in 30 starts while on loan, playing a pivotal role in Wolves' successful fight against relegation after Pereira's arrival. Newcastle's desperation to secure a replacement for Isak has led them to Strand Larsen after bids for other targets, including Porto's Samu Aghehowa and Brentford's Yoane Wissa, were also rejected.

With the clock ticking, the question remains: will Newcastle's desperation lead them to make a third, even more significant bid, or will Wolves stand firm and protect their chances of staying in the top flight?