Wolves' defence a priority for boss Stale

Wolves boss Stale Solbakken has set his sights on strengthening his defence now agreement has been reached on the Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson deal.

The Norwegian has made signing a centre-back a priority after completing his exhaustive assessment of his squad on DVD.

But it could be a lengthy process, with the club's top brass keen to move on players to make way for new blood.

Wolves are keen to find a buyer for Roger Johnson, but they will struggle to find takers at the £4m fee they paid Birmingham for him last year and they will not allow him to join a rival Championship club on loan.

Jody Craddock, whose contract expires in nine days' time just before his 37th birthday, has a two-week trial to impress Solbakken when the players return on July 2 as he tries to land a 10th season. That leaves Richard Stearman and Christophe Berra as the only experienced centre-backs, and Berra is set for the final year of his contract.

Homegrown Danny Batth is waiting for a Molineux breakthrough after a full season in Sheffield Wednesday's automatic promotion to the Championship, and he will be given a chance to impress in pre-season.

One player who was on Wolves' radar was Bolton defender Zat Knight. Wolves were one of several clubs made aware of his availability, but after stalling on a new offer, the 32-year-old former Villa man has now pledged his future to boss Owen Coyle.

Bosman free agents Zak Whitbread, who left Norwich at the end of the season, and freed QPR pair Danny Gabbidon and Fitz Hall, could now come into contention.

Meanwhile, Sigurdarson's 12th goal in 14 games this term put Lillestrom ahead after 12 minutes of their 3-0 Norwegian Cup win at home to lower league leaders Ullensaker/Kisa last night.

The £2.4m striker also had a seventh-minute effort disallowed, missed a penalty and was substituted at half-time.