Wolves swoop for Gills' winger

The transfer represents another swoop on the "young and hungry" brigade Wolves are turning to in their efforts to revitalise Molineux.

The 21-year-old Jarvis, who was named in the PFA's League One Team of the Year for last season, signed a two-year deal after passing a medical yesterday.

The stocky winger was out of contract at Priestfield but Gillingham were still able to claim a fee because he is under 24. However, the clubs have struck a deal rather than opt for a tribunal.

Jarvis's growing reputation away from the game's major spotlights has seen an increasing number of clubs beat a path to Gillingham's door.

Two bids, one from Plymouth, were turned down before the January transfer window while Leicester, Newcastle, Watford and Charlton have all been eyeing a move for the Middlesbrough-born ex-Millwall youth player.

He had a £1m valuation at that stage and Wolves are likely to have agreed a substantial six-figure deal with further payments tied to appearances and promotion.

He has already played a key role in the recent history of his new club, scoring the goal which enabled 10-men Gillingham to beat Wolves in October 2004 and sentence former boss Dave Jones to the sack.

"That was my first ever goal which is quite a good memory for me – but not for Wolves," said Jarvis. "Now I'll be looking to make up for it. I played left midfield for all of last season but have, in the past, played up front and on the other wing.

"I was at Millwall for five years as a kid but didn't get offered a contract so I moved to Gillingham which is where I did my YTS.

"I've spoken to the manager Mick McCarthy and he seems like a man who's very keen on encouraging you. You always want to work for a manager that you can look up to and talk to and everyone tells me he's a good guy to work for."

Jarvis is the first in what promises to be a wave of signings this summer.