Wolves made three offers to Ibrahim Keita

Philippe Kontostavlos, the agent of the 19-year-old striker, yesterday claimed his client had been given a 'sign or you won't play' ultimatum over his two-year deal.

But head coach Kenny Jackett insists that was never the case, saying: "We've made Ibrahim Keita three very good and improved offers and he's turned those down.

"We're disappointed with that, but we understand that's his choice. He doesn't see his future being here now. I think his agent's choice of words and his stance are wrong, but that's his opinion.

"For the short period of the season left, we've then decided to work with other players because places in our under-18s and under-21s aren't easy to come by.

"If Ibrahim then decides his future is not with us, we're disappointed but he has that right and then after that we have to move on with the next player."

The club have only recently excluded Keita, who is out of contract at the end of the season, from playing as it became clear he was going to leave as they weren't prepared to offer anywhere near the wages he was demanding.

Other players, such as Bristol Rovers capture Donovan Wilson, have been promoted in his place.

Wolves are looking to continue to produce their own talent with young players who have committed their futures to the club and are there for the long-term. Talks have been going on since August.

Had they agreed to his demands, Keita, who has never played a senior game, would have become the second highest-paid player in the Under-21s and been earning as much as some first-team players.

Wolves will be seeking compensation from Keita's next club as he is under 24 and therefore not entitled to leave under the Bosman ruling.