Dean Saunders in vow over Sylvan Ebanks-Blake

Talks are underway to extend the five-year stay of the 26-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer.

As a former top-flight marksman himself, Saunders knows how important goalscorers are and believes he can help Ebanks-Blake become effective at Championship and Premier League level, and be more prolific, if he agrees a new contract.

Ebanks-Blake played in the Premier League with Wolves, but was rarely a regular, managing 32 starts and a further 44 substitute appearances in three seasons, scoring 10 goals.

The form of Kevin Doyle and Steven Fletcher, as well as Mick McCarthy's preference for one striker at times, limited Ebanks-Blake's appearances.

But Saunders is hoping he can teach the 11-goal top scorer a trick or two to help him become more dangerous, and flourish in what should be his peak years as a striker, providing he pens that new contract.

"He has to have that ambition to get up to the next level," said Saunders. "Hopefully he can do it with us.

"Hopefully I can teach him things and add things to his game, and, if by doing that I can add two or three goals to his tally by the end of the season, it's worth listening to.

"He doesn't have to listen to all of it but there will be something in there that will make sense to him. It's just to do with the runs he's making and giving him the drive to ensure that he's not just someone who is prepared to settle for only scoring goals at this level."

Ebanks-Blake was expected to leave last month after Crystal Palace lodged a £1m bid, while Hull were also interested.

But that offer was rejected as Wolves couldn't secure a replacement in time after Birmingham turned down an approach for their 14-goal top scorer Marlon King, while Reading's Simon Church opted to stay put.

Now Saunders wants to wipe the slate clean and allow Ebanks-Blake, whose goalscoring has seen him remain a popular figure with fans, an extended chance to write a further chapter in his Wolves career.

Doyle, meanwhile, is expected to attract fresh interest in the summer.