Kaspars Gorkss is part of the future for Wolves

The giant centre-back has become the club's oldest signing since Gary Breen, who was 32 when he became Mick McCarthy's first capture in July 2006.

Gorkss' arrival would seem to contradict the club's long-established 'young and hungry' policy, introduced by the former Republic of Ireland and Sunderland manager.

The 6ft 3ins defender has left Reading on an initial 93-day loan but the move is with a view to a permanent transfer and an undisclosed fee has been agreed between the clubs.

Saunders wanted to make a statement of intent with his first signing. And he believes the arrival of the left-footed Latvia national captain is exactly that – maybe someone to finally replace Jody Craddock as a no-nonsense, ball-winning centre-half.

The Wolves boss said: "Hopefully, we can make it a permanent deal if everything goes to plan. He's a good age and he's somebody I'd like to keep at the club.

"He's won the Championship for the last two years running and 31 is not old for a central defender. Queens Park Rangers sold him for £1million to Reading when they went up and he won the Championship again.

"I'm pleased to have got him. He's a no-nonsense defender, he's got a streak of steel in him and it's something I feel we need."

While Wolves still want to recruit young players who can become assets there is a recognition that for all the experience in a squad which, age-wise, should really be in its prime, there are perhaps not enough natural leaders.

As a proud captain of his country and someone comfortable with bellowing instructions to his team-mates, Gorkss should redress that balance.

Saunders said: "You need three or four leaders on the pitch who can actually be an extension of me so, if I didn't turn up for a game, they would play the same and do the same things.

"You need players who are prepared to criticise their team-mates but not fall out with them. Kaspars talks and he'll organise and he'll help the players around him, plus he gives us more competition.

"And he's got desire. He's a good character – he's got a winning attitude, which is more important than anything for me.

"People will say, 'doesn't everybody want to win?' Well, some want to win more than others and are prepared to make sacrifices in their lives."

The manager stressed to Gorkss the immediate aim is Championship survival but that next season is all about trying to win promotion back to the Premier League.

Saunders said: "He had a look round and I told him what the plan was. I told him we need a bit of help right now, and he's confident we can stay up and move up the league."

And Saunders revealed he has been tracking Gorkss virtually since he was appointed.

He said: "I have been trying to get him in for three weeks. I would like to thank Brian McDermott, the Reading manager, for letting me have him.

"There were international matches at the weekend and he wanted to make sure all his players came back safe and sound. So I had to wait until this week to get the OK to do the emergency loan."