Wolverhampton Wanderers are going to have to gatecrash the Champions League if they are going to satisfy the ambitions of their top players, according to their former goalkeeper Matt Murray.
Rapid wide man Adama Traore and goalscorer Raul Jimenez have both been linked with moves away from Molineux in recent times, with Traore said to be being watched by Liverpool and Jimenez thought to be on the radar of Manchester United.
Both players have been key elements of the club's emergence under manager Nuno Espirito Santo, whose side are sixth ahead of the Premier League's restart next week, and Murray thinks that progress will have to be sustained to keep them happy.
“I believe these players are good enough for the Champions League, so if they don’t get there, that would be a concern," Murray told Sky Sports.
“But also with the coronavirus, I think Wolves can keep them for another year because clubs won’t be able to pay those fees.
“But sooner or later, Wolves will have to get into the Champions League to match those players’ ambitions.”
The future of manager Nuno has also been in question, with the Portuguese linked with the Arsenal job in December following the departure of Unai Emery, and Murray says his status is also crucial.
“I think Nuno only has a year left on his contract," he continued.
“I think if Wolves can get into the Champions League, I would be that much more confident. Especially with Jimenez, he is that bit older and everyone wants to play at the highest level.
“Everyone feels at home, the Wolves fans love them but that would be my concern with Nuno.
“If they do get into the Champions League, they should tie Nuno down to a long-term deal.”
