Wolves: Jordan Graham signs from Aston Villa on 18-month deal

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Jordan GrahamImage source, Empics
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Jordan Graham has represented England at both Under-16s and Under-17s level

Wolves have completed the signing of teenage Aston Villa winger Jordan Graham on an 18-month contract.

The 19-year-old Villa academy product, who initially arrived at Molineux on loan in November, is yet to feature in Wolves' first team.

But, despite being hindered by a thigh injury, he has impressed sufficiently to earn an extended deal, with another year's option in the club's favour.

"I can't thank Villa enough for what they have done for me," he said.

"For whatever reason it didn't look like it was going to happen there. But it's just time to move on and try and play some more first team football."

Graham's loan moves

Jordan Graham made two loan moves from Villa Park last season, making his professional debut with Mick McCarthy's Ipswich in the Championship before joining League One side Bradford City, for whom he made his one appearance as a second-half sub against Wolves at Molineux in February.

When Graham joined Wolves in November, Kenny Jackett's side were in the process of slipping from top to 13th in the table in a five-game losing Championship run in which they scored just twice, conceding 16 goals.

But, following a change in personnel including the introduction of youngsters Dominic Iorfa, who was on loan last season at Shrewsbury, and Kortney Hause, who was recalled from his loan at Gillingham, Wolves have rallied well.

They have risen back up to eighth, within three points of the play-off places, on the back of a four-game unbeaten league run. And they also drew 0-0 at Fulham in the FA Cup third round on Saturday to set up a Molineux replay next Tuesday. And Graham has been encouraged to see Jackett give youth its chance.

"Even in the five losses the gaffer brought in Dom and then Kortney," he said. "It shows that, even in hard times, he's got trust in the younger players which is great for us to see. It motivates young players to know that the gaffer is not going to leave them out just because of their age."

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