‘Emperor’s new clothes’ – Simon Jordan rips into ‘poor’ Premier League striker valued at £40m

Simon Jordan cannot understand the clamour for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen amid interest from multiple Premier League clubs.

The Norwegian forward enjoyed a productive debut campaign at Molineux following his arrival from Celta Vigo on loan 18 months ago.

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Strand Larsen scored 14 league goals last season as the Midlands side successfully beat the drop and his loan move was made permanent for a pre-agreed fee of £26m.

However, the 25-year-old has struggled in his second season in England, and has hit the back of the net just the once across 19 league appearances.

Strand Larsen did come off the bench to provide the assist for Mateus Mane’s second half equaliser in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Everton.

Wolves striker expected to leave in January

Strand Larsen was heavily linked with a summer move to Newcastle as they eyed up replacements for Alexander Isak, the Swede ultimately departing St. James’ Park for Liverpool on deadline day in September.

The Magpies were rebuffed in their efforts sign Strand Larsen as Wolves rejected an offer of £60m. Newcastle instead moved for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa of Stuttgart and Brentford, respectively.

In the time since, Newcastle’s interest in the Wolves hitman has cooled.

talkSPORT transfer guru Alex Crook believes that Strand Larsen will leave the Premier League’s table footers, but for £40m with Nottingham Forest credited with an interest in the Norway international.

Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, have also been linked with a move for Strand Larsen as they look to bolster their frontline in the New Year.

Jordan brands Strand Larsen ‘useless’

Jordan, though, was heavily critical of Strand Larsen on White & Jordan on Thursday.

When Jim White brought up Strand Larsen with Crook, Jordan chimed in with the word ‘useless’.

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And when White asked Jordan to elaborate, he said: “The Emperor’s new clothes, mate. Pay £50million for that rubbish? Good luck.”

White pressed, asking: “Why are you not having him?” to which Jordan replied: “Because he’s poor.

“Look at him the other day, he couldn’t even take a bleeding penalty when they needed him to step up and do it.

“I think he’s a poor player. I think for £60million, Wolves should have sent him round in a cab, gift wrapped.”

Dyche responds to Strand Larsen speculation

Forest boss Sean Dyche was asked about reports linking Forest with a move for Strand Larsen in the January window ahead their FA Cup meeting with Wrexham on Friday night.

Dyche, though, has refused to get in on the speculation about Forest and the Wolves star, stating: “There’s interest in lots of different players.

“I don’t get involved in all that. They’re not my players until the pen’s on the paper.

“Once the ink’s dry then I’m more than happy. But, certainly, I’m not going to start changing my habits of a lifetime in football and mention about other people’s players.”

Wolves have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks having collected five points from their last three league matches, though they remain 14 points off safety following Forest’s 2-1 win at West Ham on Tuesday night.

And next up for Rob Edwards’ side is an FA Cup third round tie with lower league opposition Shrewsbury.