Wolves sign Austrian defender Georg Margreitter

UK championship league club Wolverhampton Wanderers have completed the signing of defender Georg Margreitter for an undisclosed fee from FK Austria Wien.

The 23-year-old, capped 11 times by Austria’s Under-21 side, has agreed a four-year contract at Molineux.

“We have been searching for a central defender and Georg fits the billing,” said Wolves manager Stale Solbakken.

Wolves sold winger Matt Jarvis to West Ham on Friday, for a fee which could rise to £10.75m, and striker Steven Fletcher to Sunderland.

The Championship club accepted a bid, which could eventually be worth around £14m, for the Scotland international.

In the 24 matches that Wolves have played in all competitions in 2012 they have only managed to keep three clean sheets

Wolves’ defensive problems were evident last season when they conceded 82 goals in 38 Premier League matches and finished bottom of the table.

Margreitter will challenge Roger Johnson, Richard Stearman and Christophe Berra for one of the centre-back berths.

“He wanted to come to England and we have been following him for the last six or seven weeks,” Solbakken told the club website.

“It is a good signing not only for this season but also for the future because I think he has good years in front of him.”

Margreitter added: “I am very proud to sign for a club with such a big tradition in England and it’s a dream come true.

“There were several English clubs watching me but it has all happened in the last few days and I am very excited.

“I have seen the stadium as well and have a good feeling about everything. There is a sense of familiarity about the club and I think it is the perfect size. It is going to be an honour to play for them.”