Balde is available on a free transfer, despite having a year to run on his contract at Parkhead.

McCarthy is a big fan of the powerful centre half, but admits the 32-year-old's wage demands have priced him out a move to Molineux.

"He has always been someone I've liked because he is a big, powerful centre-half," McCarthy told the Daily Record.

"But we don't pay that kind of money, we're not in that pay league. I haven't pursued it any further but I have registered my interest.

"He's got a year on his contract left and he's been told he is available on a free, but nothing's happening."

Ajax are the latest side to be credited with an interest in Balde and the player's agent, Mick Oliver claims a number of clubs including Birmingham are chasing the defender.

"There is significant interest from England and a number of clubs have told me they'd love to take him," Oliver told the Daily Record.

"Birmingham and Wolves have both been on the phone and I've also been contacted by two clubs in France."