Ibrahim Keita: I will not be blackmailed
Wolves were today accused of blackmail by the agent of contract rebel Ibrahim Keita.
Philippe Kontostavlos claims the 19-year-old was given a 'sign or you won't play' ultimatum as a condition of the two-year offer he was made.
Keita has refused to sign the deal and boss Kenny Jackett is resigned to losing the powerful French striker at the end of the season, although Wolves have said they will pursue compensation.
"If we were to summarise the Ibrahim situation in a single sentence since August, it would be 'sign what we offer you, or you will not play this season'," Kontostavlos told the Express & Star.
"Ibrahim is a young striker of huge potential and scores goals.
"He has an excellent attitude on and off the pitch but like every striker he has a character, and is not the type to give in to blackmail.
"Ibrahim arrived at Wolves at 15-years-old and within one month was training with the first team under Mick McCarthy.
"I honestly we thought we could reach an agreement, but it's football and I would like to thank the club for these four years which has enabled Ibrahim to make good progress.
"We are in touch with a few clubs and the future will tell us where he will sign.
"But no matter what happens, Ibrahim will play in the Premier League one day."
Through his agent, Keita gave a statement confirming the ultimatum and that Wolves will pursue a fee from his next club.
"We are in democracy, and a player has the right not to agree with what they are offered," he said.
"The club said 'you will not play anymore, and as you are aware we do have the right to compensation costs and as such we will be upholding this right should you will sign elsewhere from next season onwards'.
"Nevertheless, I have experienced beautiful things with Wolves and I want to be friends with the club.
"My best wishes to Wolves, God Save the Queen, I love the UK!"
Keita will leave Wolves as one of the most highly regarded players in their academy and made the first-team 18 for two games last season.
He is currently not being used in the Under-21s squad but continues to train with Scott Sellars' development group.
