Wolves' Richard Stearman up for the fight

Richard Stearman today insisted he is ready to compete for his Wolves place as they continue to chase a new centre-back.

Stearman's signing of a new two-year contract was announced yesterday as Bournemouth's Steve Cook is the latest centre-back on their radar following at least two failed bids for Sheffield United stopper Harry Maguire.

Stearman formed a rock-solid partnership with Danny Batth last season as Wolves achieved a League One record 25 clean sheets.

And the 26-year-old is ready to compete for his spot if, as seems likely, head coach Kenny Jackett signs another central defender this summer.

"It was always the aim as a team and a back five to be solid and we were delighted to get the clean sheet record," said Stearman.

"We were so proud of what we achieved but we've got to look ahead now.

"Maybe one or two additions will come into the frame as well and we're all going to be fighting for the shirt and hopefully do something similar to what we did last season.

"It seems to happen every season that we bring players in and not just in defence but in every position.

"It's up to us to continue to fight and perform in such a way that you make the shirt your own."

Stearman believes Wolves can achieve "something special" on their return to the Championship where he has won the title in 2008-09 and been part of squads that have been relegated from it in 2007-08 with Leicester and 2012-13 with Wolves, when he actually played more games on loan for Ipswich (15) than the 12 he took part in for his parent club.

"I think we can do well there – some of the players within that dressing room are the best I've played with," he said.

"We've brought a couple of players in and maybe with one or two more we have a chance of achieving something special again next year.

"Momentum can be very important and we're high on that at the moment and hoping to push that through next season.

"I'm just raring to get going now."