Wolves sign up young star Niall Ennis to fend off Premier League interest

The club have moved quickly to ward off the advances of the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea who were keeping tabs on the 16-year-old striker.

England Under-17 international Ennis, regarded as one of the best young prospects in the country, has signed a three-year deal that will come into effect when he turns 17 next year.

The Wolverhampton-born player has been with Wolves since the age of eight.

"It is fantastic news," recruitment chief Kevin Thelwell said.

"Niall has been with us a long time and has already proved he is a very good player with a lot of potential for the future.

"He is a local boy who has come through all the age groups and we are delighted to see that he has committed his future to Wolves."

Ennis has already trained with the first team on several occasions and is now primarily based with the under-21s, having moved up from the under-18s.

Wolves boss Kenny Jackett added: "I am delighted that Niall has accepted our offer and committed himself to Wolves – it is really good news.

"It is his local club as well, and his commitment is terrific for us to see."

Ennis is now away with England Under-17s, with whom he has impressed in recent months.

Staff at the club have high hopes that Ennis will progress to the Wolves first team. The teenager said he hoped to follow the likes of Dominic Iorfa in his progression at the club.

"I have been here a long time and know the club very well," he said.

"There has been speculation and you feel happy if you are getting noticed and people are recognising that you are doing something good.

"But I'm committed to Wolves so I'm very happy. There is a chance to break through here and I look at players like Dominic Iorfa who has come through and is now playing in the first team.

"I have enjoyed the season so far and know I have to keep working hard to improve."

Academy boss Gareth Prosser added: "He has been doing well, he sees a pathway at the club, and we will continue to work hard to support him.

"He has been playing with the under-21s and has trained regularly with the first team, and although he remains very grounded, he has had a taste of what that is like and interaction with our senior players.

"We have seen him grow and develop into a young man as a person, and into a professional as a footballer, and we have a duty and a responsibility at this football club to do both.

"We are proud of how he has progressed and look forward to him continuing to develop over the coming years as there is a great opportunity for him here at Wolves."