Express & Star

Wolves sign Leo Bonatini and Ruben Vinagre on permanent deals

Wolves have signed forward Leo Bonatini and defender Ruben Vinagre on permanent deals after triggering options in their loan contracts.

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The duo played for Wolves on loan last season but have been tied on permanent contracts after impressing during the club's Championship title-winning campaign.

Bonatini, 24, has penned a four-year-deal while Vinagre, 19, has been signed a five-year-contract.

Bonatini netted 12 times in 43 Championship appearances, with a prolific spell in the first half of the campaign firing Wolves into an early league lead which proved unassailable.

The 24-year-old’s goal-scoring exploits saw him scoop the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month award in October, and he signs from Saudi Professional League side Al-Hilal for an undisclosed fee.

Vinagre made nine Championship appearances, netting once in the 4-0 win at Burton Albion, and four further appearances in cup competitions.

The youngster signs from AS Monaco, where he has been a professional for three years since arriving as a youth player from Sporting Lisbon.

Wolves sporting director Kevin Thelwell said: “We are delighted to secure the services of two players we rate very highly, and we believe can play a huge part in our plans for our first season back in the Premier League and beyond.

“Both players have been part of this group for a season, and that means they can hit the ground running and won’t need any additional time to adjust to Nuno and his coaching staff’s high standards of preparation and training.

“Leo Bonatini was unstoppable for a long stretch last season - his goals played a huge part in our promotion - and we have no doubt he can reproduce that kind of goalscoring form in the Premier League.

“Ruben Vinagre is a hugely exciting prospect, and we are really looking forward to him developing further under Nuno’s tutelage.”

Ben Marshall

Meanwhile winger Ben Marshall has signed for Norwich City from Wolves on a four-year-deal for an undisclosed fee.

Marshall, 27, spent the second half of last year on loan at Millwall after beginning the season at Molineux.

In total last season he played 25 times, scoring three goals.

A Wolves spokesman said: "Everyone at Wolves would like to thank Ben for his efforts during his time with the club and wish him the very best of luck for his Norwich City move."