Balde wages prove stumbling block for Wolves

Jul 24 2008

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy is still interested in a swoop for Bobo Balde but insists he is unable to meet the Celtic defender's wage demands.

Balde is reportedly earning around £30,000 a week at Parkhead but would have the opportunity to play first-team football at Molineux.

McCarthy said: "We don't pay that kind of money as we're not in that market or that pay league, so it's a non-starter in that sense.

"But he has only one year left on his contract so he has the option of staying and taking the money or moving on; taking less but playing and having a longer contract.

"I enquired about his availability before the end of last season.  I had watched Celtic play against Rangers and I just asked a question then about what his financial position was.

"Balde has always been one I've liked because he is a big, powerful centre-half."