Express & Star

Wolves' Richard Stearman must wait as all contract talks are put on hold

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Richard Stearman's future will remain in limbo up until Wolves' promotion fate is decided after it emerged all contract talks with senior players have been put on hold.

Stearman is the most intriguing case of those whose deals are up this summer, with Dave Edwards, George Elokobi and Jamie Reckord and untried youngsters Michael Ihiekwe and Jamie Tank also out of contract.

The former Leicester defender has been in excellent form in recent weeks, helping Wolves to six consecutive clean sheets and a club record nine straight wins.

Stearman, who has formed a rock-solid partnership at the back alongside Danny Batth, could walk away for nothing under the Bosman ruling when his contract runs out in June.

But Jackett wants to keep the 26-year-old Wolverhampton-born stopper, even though the club are risking losing players by postponing discussions until the summer.

"I think for everybody who's in contractual situations - barring any younger players beneath - we won't do anything until we know what division we're in," said Jackett.

"It's something we'll assess during the summer, but I've been very pleased with Richard and I see him as being part of the future.

"I think he's done very well. I've picked him on a consistent basis and it's been a good unit."

Having signed his last deal when Wolves were in the Premier League - a two-and-a-half-year extension in January 2011 - Stearman is one of Wolves' highest earners currently not out on loan.

And there is sure to be interest from the Championship in the former England Under-21 international, who is now qualified to play for Ireland and finished last season with 15 games on loan at Mick McCarthy's Ipswich.

"He's had a very good season - both competitively and passing, as a centre-back he's generally comfortable on the ball," acknowledged Jackett.

"Out of the guys here for some years, he's one of those who have stuck with us this season.

"Perhaps going on loan last season helped him and helped him come back fresh – maybe it made him appreciate what he's got here and made him want to play here.

"But I'm very pleased with him. He's formed an excellent partnership with Danny Batth."

Stearman has made 175 appearances for Wolves since signing for £1.6m in June 2008.