Onyewu wants a Premier move
Wolves have moved towards the front of the queue in their pursuit of Oguchi Onyewu after the defender declared he wants to move to England.
The giant 27-year-old's contract expires with Standard Liege after the last game of the season at Genk and he's available on a Bosman free transfer.
A source close to Onyewu said: "Oguchi wants to move to England."
Fulham and fellow promoted side Birmingham are also tracking the 6ft 4ins USA international.
Marseille have already made contact with the player's representatives, while their French rivals Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Real Betis, Borussia Moenchengladbach and Anderlecht, are also thought to be interested in the stopper.
But the defender's preference of a move to England, where he played 11 games on loan at Newcastle in the second half of the 2006-07 season, puts Wolves in a more favourable position than their European rivals.
While the player only confirmed Marseille have been in contact, he believes he could have several options this summer.
He said: "Marseille are not the only ones to show interest. I will listen to all approaches and take my time to make a decision."
Onyewu insists he's ready to fight for his place in the knowledge he may not be a first choice.
He said: "I'm ready to take that risk. It would not be the first time. When I arrived at Standard, I was third choice. Even at La Louviere (in 2003), I was not in the team."
For the moment, Onyewu will put all thoughts of his future to one side.
Tomorrow he bids to clinch a second successive Jupiler league title with Standard Liege.
His side are currently level on points with Anderlecht, who lead the table on goal difference going into the final round of matches this weekend.
Onyewu, who has 40 caps and played in the 2006 World Cup, was named in the Belgian league's best XI last season and is the first defender since Alexi Lalas in 1995 to be crowned USA player of the year.
Wolves are in talks with captain Jody Craddock over extending his stay, but boss Mick McCarthy has made strengthening the centre of his defence a priority.
McCarthy has vowed to make Premier League experience a cornerstone of his squad strengthening and Wolves have also been linked with a host of other defensive targets, including Michael Mancienne and Calum Davenport.
