Kevin McDonald finally signs new Wolves deal

Kevin McDonald has signed a new three-year contract with Wolves, ending months of speculation about his future.

The Scottish midfielder's existing deal was due to expire next summer.

Wolves offered him a new deal back in June, but McDonald turned it down and months of stalemate ensued.

The 26-year-old publicly expressed his dissatisfaction at the 'basic increase' of an offer, saying it 'didn't indicate' Wolves wanted to keep him at the club.

Boss Kenny Jackett left him out of the pre-season friendly at Burton, saying McDonald was unsettled and Jackett recently reiterated that the saga had affected the midfielder, who was also dropped for the recent games against Bolton and Brighton.

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But McDonald has consistently stated his desire to stay with Wolves if the deal was right, and the two parties have now come to an agreement.

He becomes the third player to sign a contract this week, following Matt Doherty and James Henry.

McDonald has set his sights on promotion with Wolves after agreeing the new deal.

"It has been a long process but I am delighted we have managed to get it over the line," he said.

"I'm not going to lie, I have been unsettled with all the stuff that has been going on.

"We have been working together, me, my agent, Jez and the gaffer – working towards getting the contract sorted.

"I've had a great two years here, I've enjoyed every minute, and didn't want it to change."

Wolves turned down two bids from Fulham of around £1million in the summer.

With his future secured he will now look to play a key role in Wolves' promotion campaign, as he has done during the past two seasons.

"Now it is sorted I want to get back playing well," McDonald added.

"I am excited and it feels like a fresh start in a way.

"I've signed a contract but now it's done I'm not going to sit back - I want to kick on and improve each game.

"I want to play like I have done for the last couple of years and get my performances back to a high level.

"I don't like being out of the team. I could fully understand the gaffer's reasons for that and fully respect them – that is football.

"The fans have been great to me since I signed – I have had a great two years on and off the pitch, it's been brilliant.

"With the fans behind us week-in week-out we can push on up the table and reach the play-offs and hopefully promotion."

Jackett said of the news: "I am delighted that Kevin has committed his future to Wolves.

"I am sure now he can settle down, produce his best form and get back to what he has been over the last couple of seasons to help Wolves move up the table.

"The fact that he knows he is here and beyond this season is really good news, but while he has been unsettled he never said he wanted to leave Wolves.

"I'm pleased he has settled and committed his future and we can now work towards getting the results we think we are capable of."

McDonald has been one of Jackett's key performers during his two years in charge, making 98 appearances in all competitions.

The former Sheffield United midfielder has scored six goals in Wolves colours, including a scorcher in the 3-2 home defeat to QPR at Molineux last month.

The news is another welcome off-the-field boost for Wolves, coming as captain Danny Batth returns from a long injury lay-off.

McDonald is expected to join Batth in the line-up for tomorrow's trip to Deepdale to face Preston North End.