Michael Kightly has signed a new four-year contract with Wolves to end speculation on his future.The 22-year-old winger had three years on his existing deal signed almost exactly 12 months ago, but was one of the poorer paid players and had been seeking improved terms to bring him parity with his team-mates.
The former Grays wide man put pen to paper on his new contract last night at Molineux, which ties him to the club to 2012. He was happy to finally put an end to the talk on his future.
He said: “I’m delighted to sign the new contract. I never wanted to leave the club anyway and I’m pleased to get my future sorted out.
“I’ve said from day one I’m happy here. The discussions went well and now I can look forward to another four good years.
“The ambition is to kick on and get into the Premier League and I want to be part of it and play at the highest level.”
Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey added: “Michael has typified the sort of player we want – young, talented and a desire to work hard for the cause.”
Kightly has proved to be one of the all-time bargains since boss Mick McCarthy snapped him up for just £25,000 from Grays in January 2007.
His electric form helped Wolves into the play-offs during McCarthy’s first season, when he was voted the Championship’s Young Player of the Year.
Last season he won three England under-21 caps before missing five months of the season with an ankle injury which eventually required surgery, returning for the final four games.
News of Kightly’s deal may well spell disappointment to Blackburn, Middlesbrough and West Ham, who have been linked with the England under-21 international.
Rovers, who unveiled former Wolves captain Paul Ince as their boss today, face a battle to keep David Bentley and saw Kightly as a possible replacement.
Ironically, Ince may turn to transfer-listed Wolves midfielder Seyi Olofinjana, who had a request to leave accepted yesterday and is available for £3m.
Wolves have also insisted they have no interest in Leicester midfielder Stephen Clemence, in answer to reports they have made a £700,000 bid.
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