Hayward bought Wolves in 1990 for £2m, and has spent more than £50m trying to turn them into a Premiership team.
The news will spark speculation of a bid for Sharp, with Wolves boss Mick McCarthy publically stating his desire to sign him in January's transfer window.
Although McCarthy was priced out of a bid for United's top scorer, he managed to lure strike partner Andy Keogh to Molineux in a £600,000 deal.
And the chance to resurrect his partnership with Keogh at a side challenging for the Championship title would prove tempting for Sharp.
But should the Black Country side make a bid for Sharp, they have warned they will not be held to ransom in the transfer market.
"Although this is a significant amount of money there will not be an 'open cheque book' approach to signing players," insisted a club statement.
"Instead the club will build on the current strategy of steadily and progressively developing a team of young, hungry and talented players.
"All of the £30m will be used for the benefit of Wolves. It is intended that the new capital, over a period of time, will be used to help re-establish Wolves as a Premiership club."