Nuno adamant Wolves’ looming FA Cup semi-final will not be a distraction

Nuno Espirito Santo insists Wolves’ 21-year wait to play a FA Cup semi-final will not distract from their Premier League focus over the next few days.

Ahead of a last-four date with Watford at Wembley next Sunday, Wolves head to Burnley on Saturday, and face Manchester United at Molineux on Tuesday.

Nuno has stressed the importance of taking a game at a time and is adamant the club’s first FA Cup semi-final appearance since 1998 will not come into their thinking until after the game with United.

“We don’t think about that, we only look at the Burnley game and how we want to play and the things that we want to do against a very tough team,” said Nuno.

“Burnley are a very good team at home, physical, organised, aggressive, and it is a very tough game for us.

“I expect a tough game between two teams who compete well. I can only focus on myself and the players, the things we want to do. But we realise how difficult it is going to be tomorrow. We have to be switched on.

“The best way to compete is that you look at the next challenge ahead of us – you don’t think about anything else. Game by game. Training session by training session. This is how we work and we have to continue like that.”

Reports this week have suggested Wolves are close to finalising a permanent deal with Benfica for striker Raul Jimenez, who has been on loan this season from the Portuguese club.

Nuno, however, insists there are loose ends to be tied up for the 27-year-old, who has scored 15 goals.

“It is the same situation. We know we have time to make a decision,” said Nuno.

“I know we have to make a decision but the right moment will be the moment that will involve all the parts and then we will announce it for sure.

“We are very happy with Raul with his performances, so when things are done, there will be an announcement.”