Wolves manager Mick McCarthy admits he has never discussed signing Michael Mancienne on a permanent deal.
Molineux boss plays down permanent move
Wolves manager Mick McCarthy admits he has never discussed signing Michael Mancienne on a permanent deal.
The 21-year-old is in his second spell on loan at the Molineux club from Chelsea and has been a regular so far this season - making 17 appearances.
Mancienne has played at both centre-half and in centre midfield under McCarthy, and speculation has mounted that a permanent transfer could be on the cards.
However, the Wolves boss was quick to quash talk of any possible move at the end of the campaign and revealed there is no news on the transfer front.
"We have never discussed that," he said. "We took him on loan and whether I would like or him or not, it has never been discussed.
"I think it is wrong to have a quote from me saying 'I would like to sign him'. In fact, there isn't any transfer news. None at all."
Mancienne, an England Under 21 international, is contracted to Chelsea until the summer of 2013, and although McCarthy would not be drawn on transfer speculation, he praised the impact of the youngster.
Praise
"Michael is a really good footballer," he added.
"He has been unfortunate that when he was out injured, Jody Craddock came in and has been outstanding at centre-half.
"I think down the middle is his best position, whether it is centre-half or sitting in midfield.
"He can play full-back and does a decent job, but he is a centre-half and can also do that midfield holding role exceptionally well.
"I knew he was versatile. He is a good footballer and is quick as well so he covers the ground and can do a number of jobs. He is comfortable in different roles."
Wolves' next game is a trip to fellow strugglers West Ham in the Premier League on Sunday.
