Wolves set for fresh Hunt bid

Wolves will go to the wire to try to snatch winger Stephen Hunt as they prepare a fourth and final bid to tempt Hull.

A third offer for the Republic of Ireland international, believed to be £3.5m plus add-ons, has been knocked back.

Nothing will be completed before Saturday's clash between the two teams at the KC Stadium given the sensitivities of the game which Hunt is expected to play.

But Wolves are preparing their final pre-deadline pitch in the belief that the 28-year-old wants to come to Molineux and knowing Hull are desperate for funds.

The Tigers have taken Amr Zaki on loan and are being linked with Mido, who is still registered with Middlesbrough.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey said: "We haven't given up on making at least one more signing and will probably make a fourth and final bid for a player we've been pursuing throughout January.

"Let's hope it's enough to make the transfer happen because we're fully aware of the need to stay in the Premier League and signing the player would help improve the squad."

Moxey also insists finances aren't holding Wolves back after revealing they were prepared to smash their £6.5m transfer record – with highly coveted Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson almost certainly the target.

"We've been involved in discussions about a deal which would potentially have seen us break our transfer record," he said.

"Finance is not the main issue; Steve Morgan has been totally supportive and we're working within our budget."

Johnson is out of contract in the summer and is a big admirer of McCarthy.

But he wants to join an established Premier League club and is expected to take his pick from Chelsea and the Manchester clubs to allow Boro compensation as he is under 24 and ineligible for a Bosman.

"We've made a number of multi million pound offers for players which have been knocked back," added Moxey.

"At present clubs aren't prepared to sell. But there will be no stone left unturned for a further fresh face before the deadline."

Moxey also confirmed new signing Adlene Guedioura, who made a late debut in last night's 0-0 draw with Liverpool, will sign a three-year deal if he impresses.