McCarthy not hopeful over Balde

Wages put Wolves boss off defender

Last updated: 24th July 2008

Bobo Balde

Balde: Available on a free transfer

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Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed his interest in Celtic defender Bobo Balde, but says a move is unlikely.

Balde is available on a free transfer, despite having a year to run on his contract at Parkhead.

McCarthy is a big fan of the powerful centre-half, but admits the Guinea international's wage demands have priced him out of a move to Molineux.

"He has always been someone I've liked because he is a big, powerful centre-half," McCarthy told the Daily Record.

Not in that league

"But we don't pay that kind of money, we're not in that pay league. I haven't pursued it any further but I have registered my interest."

"He's got a year on his contract left and he's been told he is available on a free, but nothing's happening.

Ajax are the latest side to be credited with an interest in Balde and the player's agent, Mick Oliver claims a number of clubs, including Birmingham, are chasing the 32-year-old.

"There is significant interest from England and a number of clubs have told me they'd love to take him," Oliver told the Daily Record.

"Birmingham and Wolves have both been on the phone and I've also been contacted by two clubs in France."