Wolves’ £7m record signing Steven Fletcher today pleaded with Kevin Doyle to sign a new deal at Molineux.

Manager Mick McCarthy was relieved to see the transfer window shut with no bids for Doyle, who cost what is regarded as a bargain £6.5m just over two years ago.

Arsenal and Juventus are long-time admirers of the 27-year-old but have never bid while Liverpool are also interested.

Tentative talks have taken place about extending the stay of Doyle, who is halfway through a four-year deal, without agreement.

Wolves know the longer the situation goes on, speculation will continue to surround the Ireland international’s future.

Doyle is however extremely happy at Molineux but strike partner Fletcher believes it would be a major statement by Wolves to see him commit his future again.

“It’s down to Doyle and the club to sort out because he’d be great in any team,” said Fletcher ahead tomorrow’s homeclash with Tottenham.

“But hopefully we can keep him because it would be great for the club and for the fans as well.

“He really is a fantastic player – he’s such a strong player that it seems he can keep the ball for however long he wants.

“His workrate is fantastic too – he runs around for the full 90 minutes which helps us too and I try to do the same.”

Fletcher believes Doyle’s superb reading of the game makes him stand out and he believes they are starting to forge a real understanding together.

“Doyle is fantastic at holding the ball, and if I can play in and about him and get on the ball and play it up to him, then I know he’ll keep it,” he said.

By TIM NASH