Wolves boss reveals £45,000-a-week star REFUSED to play against Newcastle and insists ‘I don’t need him’

VITOR PEREIRA slammed former club captain Mario Lemina after the wantaway star refused to play against Newcastle.

Wolves slipped into the relegation zone after Alexander Isak’s double helped condemn them to a 3-0 defeat at St James’ Park.

2

2

The visitors' task against the in-form Mags was made all the more difficult when their 31-year-old midfielder pulled out.

Lemina, who is reportedly on a £45,000-a-week contract, missed the FA Cup win over Bristol City but Pereira had claimed he was available for the trip to the North East until the Gabon ace came to see him.

The Wolves boss fumed: “I can't bring a player who tells me he is not in the mental condition to help the team. He wants to leave.

“I don't know what happened before me, but with this energy and this mentality, I don't need him.

Read More on Football

LADS, IT'S SPURS

Ange warned of Spurs 'unrest' as Rice claims Arsenal could have scored 10

CUN AND ONLY

Man Utd and Arsenal in Cunha transfer war with Wolves star open to summer move

"I prefer to play with another player.

“I don't have anything against Lemina or any issues with him.

“He said to me that he wants to leave and he communicated this decision one month ago to the club.”

Ex-Fulham, Southampton and Juventus player Lemina began the campaign as Wolves captain but former manager Gary O’Neil took the armband off him following his post-match meltdown at West Ham a month ago.

Most read in Football

NEW TRAFFORD 

United release new stadium update with Old Trafford decision due in summer

PHYSIO ROOM

Injuries & suspensions update for GW20: Cole Palmer, Diogo Jota among doubts

ERL'S COURT

Haaland's life off the pitch with huge fortune, £6m Marbella pad & amazing cars

GYOK TO GO

Man Utd 'hopeful' of completing Viktor Gyokeres transfer in Arsenal blow

Best new sign-up offers

SunSport exclusives

• William Hill: Claim your £60 in free bets -

• Betfred: Get £50 in free football bets -

• BetMGM: Get £40 in free bets to spend on football -

• talkSPORT BET: £30 in free bets are up for grabs - *

• Tote: Grab your £40 welcome bonus - *

Already have these accounts? Don't worry, we've got loads more terrific deals below!

Check out the latest free bets to use on football, horse racing, and lots more.

Lemina has only played just 31 minutes since Pereira was appointed as O'Neil's successor on December 19.

He has since been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and now appears to be doing everything possible to try and force a move to the Middle East.

Wolves are believed to be demanding at least £6million for him.