Wolves complete signing of Eggert Jonsson

Wolves today announced Hearts' Iceland international Eggert Jonsson as a surprise first signing of the January transfer window.

The 23-year-old utility man, who has signed a three-and-a-half year contract effective from January 1, has joined for an undisclosed fee.

Jonsson passed a medical at Wolves before watching last night's 2-2 draw against Norwich after talks yesterday following agreement of a fee last week. Described as a strong and tenacious ball-winning midfielder, 6ft 2in tall Jonsson made 153 appearances for Hearts, whom he joined in 2005 from Icelandic second division side KF Fjardabyggdar.

A 12-capped Iceland international, the Reykjavik-born player established himself at Hearts in 2007-08 when he won his first cap, and was voted Supporters' Player of the Year in 2009-10.

Known as a utility player, he's operated at full-back, centre-half and across midfield at Tynecastle, and is a former team-mate of Christophe Berra, and more recently, ex-Wolves players Stephen Elliott and Kevin Kyle.

"We've been watching Eggert for a long time and he's impressed Dave Bowman and our scouts up there," said boss Mick McCarthy.

"He's a versatile midfield player who can play in a number of positions comfortably.

"He's got more improvement in him and should get better."

Jonsson now returns to Scotland before heading back to Wolves when the deal kicks in on January 1.

Wolves look to have snaffled Jonsson out of Edinburgh on the cheap with Hearts' players yet to receive their December salaries, which were due on the 16th.

The squad's November wages weren't paid until December 15.

Jonsson is just looking forward to playing for his new club however.

"My main position is a central midfielder but we'll see how it goes here," said Jonsson. "Hopefully I can help the club. I've been up in Scotland for a long time and feel ready to take the next step. "Wolves is a great club for me to do that so hopefully I can get into the team and keep improving."