Wolves today made a surprise swoop by signing Leicester central defender Richard Stearman on a four-year deal.The 20-year-old 6ft 2ins Wolverhampton-born stopper, who was Leicester’s Player of the Year last season, has joined the club for an undisclosed fee.
Villa had also been interested in the highly-rated defender, but Wolves have stolen a march on their rivals to re-stock their depleted central defence.
Stearman becomes Wolves’ second arrival of the summer following Bournemouth striker Sam Vokes.
Boss Mick McCarthy was desperate to shore up his back line after losing captain Gary Breen and transfer-listing Darren Ward.
And the arrival of the highly-rated Stearman will fill the gap.
Despite his tender years, Stearman has already made 116 League appearances after making his debut against Cardiff in October 2004.
Emerging as one of the brightest young defensive talents in the country, Stearman has been in Stuart Pearce’s England under-21s.
But his potential came to the national selectors much earlier having been capped at under-17 and 18s level.
l Michael Kightly admits he would love to stay at Wolves for ‘many years to come’ and would pledge his future beyond 2012.
The star winger ended speculation on his future yesterday when he announced his improved four-year contract at Molineux. But the 22-year-old is determined to help Wolves to become a long term success.
“It’s a four-year contract which I’m very happy with,” said Kightly.
“That will take me to 26, but I’m sure if myself and the club do well, I will be signing for longer.
“I’ve said to my family and close friends that the best case scenario would be to play for Wolves for many years to come in the Premier League.”
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