Last Updated: Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:33
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has entered the race for Southampton midfielder Andrew Surman who had been expected to join Sheff Utd.
The 22-year-old was one of the few players to win plaudits following Southampton's relegation nightmare last season and it had been thought he would make the switch to Bramall Lane after the two clubs agreed a £1million deal.
However, Wolves boss McCarthy is ready to match Sheffield United's bid and the South African who is likely to chose Molineux over Bramall Lane due to the lure of Premier League football and the fact Wolves will be able to offer a better deal.
Surman is expected to become the second high-profile departure from the south coast club following David McGoldrick's move to Nottingham Forest earlier this week and he could be the second signing for Wolves this week after Kevin Doyle made his move from Reading.