Wolves have secured their first signing of the summer with the £2.6m capture of Red Star Belgrade midfielder Nenad Milijas.

The 26-year-old Serbian international captain, who was named Serbian Superliga Player of the Year last season, has signed a four-year contract subject to a work permit after flying in for talks at the weekend.

“Nenad is a star player and an international of some note in what is a very talented Serbian team,” said chief executive Jez Moxey.

“Several other clubs were interested and we’ve seen documentary evidence to show that.

“He’s also a real leader, a captain-type, and the all-round signs are extremely positive.”

Milijas said: “Wolves a very big club and hopefully I can come in and help them in the Premier League. I’m sure Wolves will help me in my career as well.

“I spoke to Mick McCarthy and he seems like a great manager.

“Even after just a few minutes talking I feel glad I am going to play for him.”

Wolves now have to claim a work permit for the high-scoring midfielder, who has now returned to Serbia for his holidays after playing in their recent World Cup qualifiers.

Although Milijas is a current international, the 10-capped player hasn’t played the required number of games for his country to meet the criteria for a permit because he has only recently become involved in the full Serbian set-up.

But Wolves have taken advice, and, although they are braced for their first application to fail, they are confident of winning an appeal.

“We are going to make a quite detailed application because he doesn’t quite fulfil the criteria so it will probably go to appeal,” added Moxey.

“But he’s been a regular in Serbia’s senior international team for the last season as well as being a key member of the under-21 set-up before that.”

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has allowed Milijas an extended break and he will now report back to England in time for the start of the club’s pre-season tour to Australia on July 4.

Deadball specialist Milijas has scored 37 goals in 97 games for Red Star, including 22 in all competitions last season.

By Tim Nash