Doumbia's delight at deal

Tongo Doumbia: Midfielder is looking forward to playing for Stale Solbakken at Wolves

Tongo Doumbia is relishing the opportunity to work under Wolves boss Stale Solbakken after his friends gave the Norwegian the thumbs up.

A host of clubs, including West Brom, had been chasing the midfielder who was dubbed 'the new Patrick Vieira' in the French press.

But after speaking with his team-mates about Solbakken the powerful 22-year-old midfielder jumped at the chance of a season-long loan at Molineux.

"I am really looking forward to playing for the fans and the manager," he told the club's official website. "I want to help the team as much as I can as we aim for promotion.

"There were other clubs interested but I had a good feeling about Wolves as soon as I spoke to the manager.

"He told me personally about his plans and showed that interest in me which was good to hear.

"I have a lot of friends playing in Europe who knew about the manager and one of my team-mates at Rennes - Alexander Tettey - is a Norwegian international.

"They all spoke highly of him and when you have that good feeling about a manager it is important.

"I also know Steven Mouyokolo very well and I am sure he will help me settle in. I hope I can do well and make the fans happy and also carry on to improve as well."

• Championship Promotion 12/13 Promotion: Wolves 100/1