Fulham set to make Richard Stearman bid

The Wolves Player of the Year has become one of the club's key performers but is out of contract next summer.

The Cottagers are thought to have up to £10m to splash out as Kit Symons attempts to put together a squad which can challenge for promotion.

But it will take a large bid to convince Wolves to sell Stearman, especially to a league rival.

However, if the defender indicates he isn't willing to sign a new contract then Wolves could look to cash in now with two months to find a replacement before next season.

Symons led Fulham to safety last season after a disastrous start under eccentric German Felix Magath, who was sacked in September.

The London club finished 17th, 12 points clear of the drop zone.

And Symons had plenty of opportunities to see Stearman close-up, with the defender completing all four fixtures between the clubs last season, including two FA Cup clashes.

Wolves kept three clean sheets in those games as Stearman formed an increasingly-solid centre-half partnership with Danny Batth.

Former team-mate Jody Craddock last week urged the club to sign the 27-year-old up on a new deal.

Meanwhile, Stearman has praised the impact of youngster Ethan Ebanks-Landell – a player who would be a contender to replace him.

Ebanks-Landell, 22, came in for the injured Batth for the final two games of the season against Millwall and Wigan.

Stearman heaped praise on the Smethwick-born player and said: "

Ethan got his chance and I think he did superbly well. His application's been brilliant and he's been ready, waiting very patiently."

for a chance."