Express & Star

Ibrahim Keita set for Molineux exit

Wolves prospect Ibrahim Keita looks to have sealed his exit from Molineux after turning down his contract.

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It appears the club has ran now out of patience with both parties at an impasse over a two-year deal and the powerfully-built 19-year-old striker refusing to accept the terms.

Boss Kenny Jackett revealed Keita, whose two-year agreement expires this summer, had rejected a similar deal on March 6.

At the time he said the door was still open for negotiations, but with the deal no nearer to an agreement, a parting of the ways is now the likely outcome.

"He's turned down our contract offer so it doesn't look like he has a future at the club," said the head coach.

"There hasn't been any agreement reached in the last couple of weeks and it seems to be a stand-off now.

"He's still training with us. But he's turned down our offer flat and it doesn't seem like there's any room for negotiation, so it seems as if it's the end of the road."

Keita, who arrived from French club Saint Marcel four years ago, was one of the most highly-rated players in the club's academy and was challenging for a first-team place until recently.

He hasn't made a senior appearance but was twice an unused substitute last season, for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy penalties win over Walsall in September 2013 then for the 2-0 win against Notts County in February 2014.

But he is currently excluded from playing in the Under-21s, where Bristol Rovers capture Donovan Wilson, 17, is now making a name for himself after scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 friendly win over Shrewsbury on Tuesday at Compton.

"Ibrahim didn't play on Tuesday against Shrewsbury," said Jackett.

"In his youth career here he scored a lot of goals as a centre forward and if we feel it's right for him to play he will.

"But if we have players with a future here and can develop and want to stay, they'll take priority."

Jackett is unaware of clubs chasing Keita, adding: "I don't know of any interest in him or any club who's going to take him or whether he's got his eyes on something else."

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