Surman swoop secured for Wolves

The 22-year-old has signed a three-year deal plus another year's option, for a fee worth around £1.2million rising to £2million to ease Southampton's crippling debts.

Wolves took their spending to £8million in three days and to almost £11million this summer on Nenad Milijas – whose work permit hearing is tomorrow – Marcus Hahnemann and Kevin Doyle.

The former England under-21 international, who follows £6.5million Doyle, took little persuading to come after recalling his role in the landmark 6-0 home defeat against Saints in March 2007.

He said: "Yes I'm afraid I scored in that 6-0 game, but we could have been 3-0 down at half-time.

"The memory that stuck with me was how, after the sixth goal went in, all the Wolves fans were on their feet cheering, backing the players and the manager.

"All the Southampton players at the time commented on how amazing that was. Playing for those sort of fans is a reason why this move is so good."

Surman believes coming to Molineux is the 'big move' he was looking for.

He said: "To come to a Premier League club and one as big as Wolves is fantastic.

"Even in the Championship, Wolves is a huge club which you can tell even just from the stadium and the fanbase.

"The facilities are there and ready for the Premier League. With Wolves now there I certainly wasn't going to turn down this opportunity.

"Any player strives to play at the highest level and you don't get any higher than the Premier League.

"This is a fantastic chance for me to prove myself in the Premier League and try to help Wolves do well."

Surman admits signing for a squad of similar age was also a key factor.

He added: "Even though it looks a young side here it's also a very experienced side, when you consider how many games they've played.

"I already know Michael Kightly and Richard Steaman from England, while Darren Potter was on loan at Southampton.

"It's always nice to see a few friendly faces."