'Every player has a price, even Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo!' - Jorgen Strand Larsen transfer admission made by Wolves boss Vitor Pereira as Newcastle push to sign Norwegian striker

Strand Larsen completed a permanent move to Wolves from Celta Vigo on July 1 after a successful loan spell at Molineux in 2024-25. The 25-year-old's latest match-winning performance has only added to the buzz surrounding him, with Newcastle reportedly tabling a new offer in the region of £55 million for his signature earlier this week.

Pereira still hopes to hold onto his in-form forward, as he told reporters after the win over West Ham: "If it's my decision, of course [Strand-Larsen stays]. Of course. Because he's a very important player. It's not only about the technical and tactical, it's about the character. He's a player with character."

However, the Wolves boss also admitted football often ignores sentiment.

"I can imagine his mind in this moment because he listens to a lot of things, reading a lot of things, and then he keeps the commitment," he added. "Until now, Jorgen is our player. We'll see what happens. I understand football. Football is football. Every player has a price, I believe. Even [Lionel] Messi or [Cristiano] Ronaldo. I understand football, but for me, he is very, very important for us. We'll see what happens."

The Magpies’ pursuit of Strand-Larsen comes at a time of upheaval in their forward line. Callum Wilson has departed for West Ham, while star man Alexander Isak continues to push for a move away from St. James’ Park. Liverpool had a staggering £110m bid rejected for the Sweden international earlier this month, but they are reportedly preparing another mega £130m bid. For Newcastle, Strand-Larsen ticks multiple boxes. At 6ft 4in, he offers physical presence, aerial strength, and a natural goalscoring instinct, qualities that could instantly plug the gap left by Wilson and potentially by Isak if he departs.

Wolves are yet to record a point in the league this season, and Pereira is desperate for a morale-boosting result when Everton visit Molineux on Saturday. Losing their new talisman before they’ve even found their footing could deal a crushing blow to their hopes of avoiding another relegation battle.