Wolverhampton Wanderers announce signing of Girona defender Santiago Bueno

With just three senior centre-backs at his disposal, new head coach Gary O'Neil has been keen to strengthen his options in defence.

However, as a result of Wolves' FFP issues, securing suitable players for the right price has not been an easy task, leaving Matt Doherty to be used in a back three in the EFL Cup in midweek.

The West Midlands outfit have now made the breakthrough in that area, however, with Bueno arriving from La Liga outfit Girona.

Bueno has just enjoyed the best season of his career, starting 34 times in Spain's top flight as Girona only narrowly missed out on European qualification.

Furthermore, in his three appearances against Barcelona and Real Madrid, the 24-year-old was not on the losing side, contributing to a clean sheet being kept at Camp Nou against the champions.

The Uruguay international has penned a five-year contract at Molineux, although his immediate availability is dependent on international clearance and a work permit being issued.

While Wolves have not disclosed a fee, it has been reported by numerous outlets that Wolves may eventually pay slightly in excess of €10m (£8.56m).

Speaking to the club's official website, sporting director Matt Hobbs said: "Santiago's personality is one we look for in a player, driven, hungry, hardworking and humble, but with a bit of an edge and can play. He's a perfect fit for what we've been looking for.

"He's six foot four inches and aggressive, as you'd expect from a Uruguayan centre back, but he can play too and gives us a good balance.

"I've spoken previously about units and with the back four, he's the perfect complement for that."

After a summer of frustration for Wolves supporters, they have now seen their club announce the signings of two players in a few hours, young Paraguayan winger Enso Gonzalez having arrived from Club Libertad earlier on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes will be heading in the opposite direction, the Portugal international on the brink of moving to Manchester City for a £53m fee, with Wolves receiving England Under-21 international Tommy Doyle on loan in part-exchange.