Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Benik Afobe has said that the league leaders will ignore the critics ahead of Saturday's Championship clash with Aston Villa.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have led the way for the vast majority of the Championship season, but their relationship with agent Jorge Mendes has come under scrutiny in recent weeks following reports that clubs have contacted the EFL to raise concerns over his involvement.

Wolves also suffered a dip in form recently, but returned to winning ways with a 3-0 triumph over Leeds United in midweek - a game which saw Afobe score his first goal since rejoining the club in January.

"The manager's been talking to us saying don't listen to what people are saying," Afobe is quoted as saying by the Express & Star. "We're seen some stories about the agency and stuff but none of us believe in that. We're a strong unit.

"As a forward you dream about scoring goals, especially when it's at a club that you love, on the telly and a goal that killed Leeds off. The goal was for the fans, for the manager for having faith in me and for myself and my teammates.

"I probably should have scored two or three goals already. I was thinking about it too much – I was getting into positions and thinking here it is, the first goal, and it didn't come."

Wolves will travel to Villa Park to face third-placed Villa in the West Midlands derby on Saturday.