Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Kenny Jackett has confirmed that Norwich City's bid for highly-rated striker Benik Afobe has been dismissed emphatically.

Sky Sports reported earlier today that the Canaries had lodged a 'substantial bid' with the Championship club for the 22-year-old former Arsenal forward.

That prompted a strong statement to be released by Wolves insisting they were not interested in selling their star assets.

Afobe then started and scored as Wanderers lost 3-2 to QPR in a home league clash this evening, after which Jackett confirmed City's bid.

'They have (made a bid) and it has been turned down and not encouraged whatsoever,' Jackett said. 'We're not looking to sell our best players and within two weeks of the window closing we're looking to build.

'We don't encourage future bids. We're not looking to sell our best players.

'At the moment we're not interested, we don't want to negotiate, it was turned down flat.

'Benik has been very good and was a threat. Any conversation we had before the game was about the football.'

City boss Alex Neil remains in the market for a striker – and was at Wolves' 1-1 draw with Hull at Molineux on Sunday.

However, by Wednesday lunchtime Wanderers had made their views clear.

'In response to some media speculation this morning, Benik Afobe was bought from Arsenal in January 2015, and other players arrived in the summer, to strengthen the team for the strongest possible challenge on promotion this season,' a statement on the club's website had read earlier today.

'Therefore, neither Benik nor any of Wolves' first team forward players, will be sold this season.

'Benik has developed into a player of key importance to Wolves and the club's plans for this campaign.

'Wolves have previously resisted the opportunity to sell other key first-team players in this and other recent transfer windows.

'As far as the club is concerned there is no need for any further comments or speculation about this issue.'

Afobe was the leading scorer in England last season with 32 goals, after a prolific loan spell at League One MK Dons was followed by a £2m permanent move from Arsenal to the Championship in January – where Afobe scored 14 goals in 23 league appearances.

Afobe's form last season saw him make Gareth Southgate's England squad for the summer's European Under-21 Championships, alongside in-form City winger Nathan Redmond.

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