Stephen Ward leaves Wolves for Burnley

The left-back had looked set to join Brighton, where he spent last season on loan, but will now return to the Premier League after the Clarets hijacked the deal at the 11th hour.

Ward has signed a three-year deal at Turf Moor and his move ends a seven year stay at Molineux. In total the Republic of Ireland international made 239 appearances for the club.

"All of us thank Stephen for what he's done and wish him all the best," said Wolves head coach Kenny Jackett.

"He got a club reasonably quickly last season which shows the standard of the player and he has got another good move now."

Ward had been part of Jackett's 'group three' and was not in the manager's plans along with Kevin Doyle, Roger Johnson, Jamie O'Hara, Kevin Foley, Georg Margreitter and Tongo Doumbia.

Having initially joined as a striker, it was near the beginning of the promotion-winning 2008/09 season that Ward was converted to a left back, becoming a key member of the title-clinching squad.

A regular during Wolves' three top flight campaigns, the standout moment for Ward came when, returning temporarily to his previous striker role, he scored the only goal of the game to seal a famous 1-0 victory against Liverpool at Anfield.

"I am sure everyone at the club will wish Stephen all the best with his new challenge," said Wolves' CEO Jez Moxey.

"He played a key part in a successful time at the club in his first few years at Wolves, achieving promotion and then three seasons in the Premier League, and was always willing to play in several different positions for the good of the team.

"With Kenny having decided to take the squad in a different direction, Stephen spent last season on loan at Brighton and can now look forward to a fresh start at Burnley in what is a good deal both for him and for Wolves – we wish him well."