Wolves have received a firm ‘hands-off’ from Hearts in a new bid to sign Christophe Berra - as Sunderland defender Danny Higginbotham emerged as a contender to replace Jody Craddock.
With Craddock ruled out for three months with a broken foot and 12 days of the transfer window left, Wolves’ defensive search has intensified.
Clubs have agreed to extend the window to midnight on September 1.
Wolves have enquired about Higginbotham, who is one of ‘two or three’ on their target list, but contrary to reports, no bid has been made.
And it seems unlikely he will be allowed to leave unless the Black Cats sign Anton Ferdinand, as they have just five defenders.
Boss Mick McCarthy also said transfer-listed Darren Ward was unlikely to be allowed to leave during Craddock’s absence.
Wolves have already had two bids of £1m and £1.5m rejected by Hearts for Berra. And they have received a big knockback in their bid to land the Jambos captain.
“They’re not selling him,” said McCarthy, who denied rumours that West Ham defender Daniel Gabbidon watched Saturday’s game.
“They want to build a team around him. It’s like someone ringing us up about Michael Kightly - he’s not for sale.”
McCarthy has cover in Neill Collins and Ward, but he is hoping to make a new signing.
“I’ve still got Neill Collins, ‘Stears’ and Darren so we’re not completely bereft of centre-halves,” he added.
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