Rivals locked in battle for Nedum Onuoha

Wolves and Albion were today braced for a bidding war for Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha.

QPR and Wolves were today reported as having made a £2.5m offer for the Nigeria-born stopper.

But although the City defender remains a firm target of Wolves, they denied making such an offer.

"This is not true – it's complete speculation," said chief executive Jez Moxey today. "We're aware of him – he's a player who's been on the market for a long time.

"But we haven't made a bid for anyone. We're just monitoring the marketplace at the moment." It is understood City want £4m for Onuoha, whose contract expires this summer.

But wages could be a stumbling block for all the interested parties.

Albion have a long-standing interest in Onuoha and the club were close to signing the 25-year-old on loan in the last window.

Moxey also denied making a £1.5m bid for Bristol City striker Nicky Maynard.

Reports say Wolves made an offer for the 25-year-old, who has been the subject of speculation after refusing to sign a new contract with his deal running out.

See also:

• Wolves’ January transfer targets assessed

• Dave Edwards aim is to stay fit for new year

• Frustrated Nenad Milijas still seeing red over card